Malacañang tells Indonesia to butt out...
The Philippines will not yield to Indonesian Muslim lemmings militants demanding the release of convicted âterroristâ Agus DwiÂkarna, Malacañang stressed yesterday. Days after Indonesian activists started their protest rallies in front of the Philippine Embassy in Jakarta, Press Secretary Ignacio Bunye rejected charges of religious discrimination on Manilaâs part.
It's "religious discrimination" when you arrest a guy with a suitcase full of C4 at your airport, by golly. That stuff was gonna be used in solemn religious services...
âThe position of the Philippine government is to take a strong hand against the terrorist activities,â Bunye told reporters.
Unlike Indonesia's, which is to say, "Thank you, sir, may I have another?"
A regional trial court has sentenced Dwikarna to at least 10 years in jail for illegal possession of explosives. Two other men were nabbed on March 13 at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) when X-ray machines showed C4 explosives and detonating cords in Dwikarnaâs luggage. Following intercession from Indonesiaâs executive and legislative branches, Malacañang agreed to free Dwikarnaâs companions, Abdul Jamil Balfas and Hamsid Linrung, saying there was little evidence against them.
"So take what you got, count yourself lucky, and shut the hell up."
Posted by: Fred Pruitt 2002-07-20 |