Freed Aussie submits testimony to DOJ

MANILA, Philippines - The Australian kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits in December 2011 and released last month turned up yesterday at the Department of Justice (DOJ) to submit his testimony detailing his 15-month ordeal.

Accompanied by representatives from the Australian embassy, Warren Rodwell subscribed to his affidavit before State Prosecutor Aristotle Reyes.

Rodwell, who arrived at the DOJ in a wheelchair, refused to talk to media.

Reyes explained that the preliminary investigation has yet to start as Rodwell just submitted his testimony in preparation for the filing of kidnapping charges by the Philippine National Police.

“He said he has no plans of filing the complaint, but his testimony can be used by the PNP to pursue the kidnapping charges. So this is just to process the investigation of the case,” the prosecutor told reporters.

The Australian was snatched by Abu Sayyaf bandits in December 2011 and freed last March 23 after his family reportedly paid a P4-million ransom.

His wife, Miraflor Gutang, said she sold their property to raise the ransom for her husband, but police said they have no evidence yet on the ransom payment.

The PNP said Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul could not be held liable for acting as one of the negotiators who reportedly managed to convince the Abu Sayyaf to reduce the ransom from P7 million to P4 million.