MALACAÑAN PALACE
MANILA

BY THE PRESIDENT OF THE PHILIPPINES

[ Memorandum Order No. 102, May 15, 2000 ]

CREATING A NEW NEGOTIATING PANEL FOR THE GOVERNMENT FOR THE SULU HOSTAGE PROBLEM

WHEREAS, the hostage-taking problem in Sulu has taken an international dimension owing to the nationalities of the hostages taken;

WHEREAS, there is an urgent need to create a new panel to address the situation and hasten the release of the hostages.

NOW, THEREFORE, I, JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA, President of the Philippines, pursuant to the powers vested upon me by law, do hereby order:

Section 1. There is hereby created a new negotiating panel for the Government to resolve the Sulu hostage problem, to be composed of the following:

1. Hon. Robert Aventajado
Presidential Assistant for Economic Affairs
Chief Negotiator
2. Hon. Abdusakur M. Tan
Governor of Sulu
Member
3. Dr. Farouk Hussein
Assistant Secretary for Education for Peace Program
Member
4. Hon. Nur P. Misuari
Regional Governor, ARMM
Adviser
5. Dr. Rajab Azzarouq Adviser
6. Mr. Ustadz Ibramin Ghazali Emissary

Section 2. The Panel is hereby authorized to take such appropriate measures and, consistent with the best interests of the government, to agree to such terms and conditions as may be necessary for the expeditious and reasonable conclusion of the hostage situation.1aшphi1

Section 3. The Panel, through the Chief Negotiator, shall provide the President with periodic update of its activities.

Section 4. This order shall take effect immediately.

DONE in the City of Manila, this 15Th day of May, in the year of our Lord, two thousand.

(Sgd.) JOSEPH EJERCITO ESTRADA

By the President:

(Sgd.) RONALDO B. ZAMORA
Executive Secretary


The Lawphil Project - Arellano Law Foundation