AFP bracing for retaliation from Yusoph kidnappers

MANILA, Philippines – The military is preparing for possible retaliation by the kidnappers of Nuraldin Yusoph, son of Election Commissioner Elias Yusoph, after their leader was killed in a shootout last week.

Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman Brig. Gen. Jose Mabanta said the death of Dimaporo Maniri Dimasacal might encourage the kidnappers to harm the younger Yusoph.

“The kidnappers, if pushed against the wall, may retaliate, may perform something drastic and one of which may be to harm the kidnap (victim),” he said.

He said the military is gathering intelligence and encouraged the elder Yusoph to cooperate with the military because he might have information that could be useful.

“The most important thing right now is to get intelligence information. Certainly Yusoph Sr. should coordinate and then talk with commanders in the field,” Mabanta said.

“We understand that he has some data which will be very useful. Rather than go to the media and air his gripes, the most important thing is to talk with the commanders in the field,” he added.

Unidentified armed men kidnapped the younger Yusoph, 22, after he came out of 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 AFP has said it would launch rescue operations if negotiations for the release of the younger Yusoph fail.

The elder Yusoph, however, has expressed dissatisfaction with the way the military handles the kidnapping of his son.

“It is almost one month and nothing has happened... I don’t want to take the law in my hands. They (suspects) should release safely my son...As a Maranao... we know also how to retaliate if worse comes to worst,” he said in an interview last week.

Dimasacal, alias “Delta Force,” was killed in a clash with Army troops in Lanao del Sur. A soldier was killed and four others were wounded.

Military officials said the younger Yusoph was not with the kidnap gang when the clash happened.