Kidnappers urged to release Yusoph son, file protest

ILIGAN CITY , Philippines  – Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong led local officials in appealing for the safe release of Nuraldin Yusoph, the son of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph, who was kidnapped last Sunday.

Adiong led the Provincial Crisis Management Committee yesterday in appealing to the kidnappers to release the younger Yusoph.

Adiong made the appeal following a meeting with Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza on the latest developments in the kidnapping.

Adiong said the Council of Elders in the region already made initiatives to get in touch with the kidnappers.

Unidentified men kidnapped the 22-year-old Yusoph shortly after he emerged from the VicBato Alih mosque in Barangay Sabala Amanao, Marawi City on June 20.

The kidnappers reportedly called the elder Yusoph demanding that he nullify the election results in the towns of Malabang, Pilong, Taraka, and Masiu in exchange for the release of his son.

The Comelec, however, rejected the demands. The Comelec held special elections in the four towns following a failure of elections during the May 10 polls.

Adiong advised the kidnappers not to force the issue.

“It is the right practice to file an election protest if the aggrieved party believes there were anomalies in the said election,” Adiong said.

Police Task Force Yusoph spokesman Senior Superintendent Panares Adap said they have already made plans to rescue Yusoph should negotiations fail.

Authorities said they have already surrounded the area where the kidnappers are holding Yusoph.

Adap added the provincial Crisis Management Committee is leading the efforts to negotiate with the kidnappers for the safe release of Yusoph.

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) also declared their readiness to mount rescue operations for Yusoph.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said they would immediately launch a military operation to rescue Yusoph upon request of the PNP if negotiations fail.

Burgos said troops in the area where the kidnappers are holding the younger Yusoph had been instructed to await orders for the rescue operation.

Burgos, however, did not elaborate, citing operational security.

He said the police are leading the operations to pinpoint the location of the kidnappers of Yusoph.