South Koreans in Davao to seek release of abducted treasure hunter

Some compatriots of kidnapped Korean treasure hunter Jae Keon-yoon have flown to Davao City in search of an intermediary that could arrange ransom negotiations with the abductors believed to be members of the Pentagon gang.

This developed as government emissaries urged the military anew to suspend its tactical operations to give way for negotiations on the safe release of a kidnapped Korean treasure hunter.

A source told The STAR that the Korean delegation was being cautious in going about their mission to ensure that they are dealing with the right people.

"They want to be assured that they’re dealing with somebody reliable," the source said.

He did not say how much money the Koreans were willing to pay for Jae’s release.

The government negotiators, led jointly by Palimbang Mayor Samrod Mamansual, Sultan Kudarat Gov. Datu Mangudadatu and Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza feared that the continuing military operations might adversely affect their efforts for the safe release of the Korean.

Jae and hotel owner Carlos Belonio of General Santos City were snatched on Feb. 6 while on a treasure hunt at Sitio Takal, Barangay Piñol in Maitum town at the boundary of Sarangani and Sultan Kudarat.

Belonio recalled that he and Jae were separated by their captors 15 days before he was freed on Good Friday in Malapatan town, Sarangani.

Reports reaching Camp Crame indicated, however, that he was rescued by elements of the military and the police who carried out a joint operation for his rescue.

A suspected leader of the Pentagon kidnap group, identified as Basit Guimbangan, was reportedly slain in a shootout with the lawmen.

The military believed that Jae could be within the area where Belonio, owner of the Tierra Verde Hotel in General Santos, was set free. — Edith Regalado, John Unson