Razon confirms ransom demands for release of Sayyaf captives

MANILA, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf bandits have sent ransom demands for the release of two female aid volunteers who were kidnapped last Monday in Basilan.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Avelino Razon told reporters in Malacañang that the ransom demands have been made and negotiations have started for the safe release of the two hostages.

Razon declined to disclose how much ransom the kidnappers demanded while negotiations are still ongoing.

“We have a team of professional negotiators from PACER (Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response) that is assisting the LGU (local government unit) in Basilan so that we could recover the remaining hostages,” Razon said.

Out of the five aid volunteers who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last Monday, three hostages have already been released.

The two remaining hostages were identified as Esperanda Hupida and Milet Mendoza, both members of the Christian Children’s Fund and Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) that are involved in rural development projects and livelihood assistance in Basilan.

He did say that the two hostages are safe and that there are indications that they would also be released soon.

“They’re safe. We have strong belief that very soon they will be released,” Razon said.

The group of volunteers was on their way back to Isabela City when Abu Sayyaf bandits blocked their convoy of vehicles last Monday afternoon in Barangay Kabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan.

Seven of the volunteers were able to escape and immediately reported the incident to the authorities.

Cagayan de Oro Archbishop Antonio Ledesma, Cotabato Bishop Jose Colin Bagaloro, and Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad have appealed to the Abu Sayyaf to release the remaining hostages.

Basilan provincial police commander Senior Superintendent Salik Macapantar said the Basilan Provincial Crisis Management chaired by Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul sent their emissaries, who are also members of the nongovernment organization, to talk with the kidnappers.

The kidnappers are led by Puruji Indama and Nurhassa Jamiri.

Sakalahul confirmed there has been development but has not discussed yet the details citing that the crisis committee will meet to assess the situation.

NFI chairman Fr. Angel Calvo said they are still waiting for information from the captors.

Macapantar said the police and Marines have not been pulled out in the area and have remained on standby for any eventuality.

“At the moment our forces with the Marines halted any rescue operation to allow the negotiation to take place for the safe recovery of the victims, but we are ready to strike under the extreme necessity to get back the hostages,” Macapantar said. – With Roel Pareño