Hotel owner, Korean rescue effort hits snag

DAVAO CITY — A raging dispute between those negotiating for the release of a General Santos City hotel owner and a Korean national and the military personnel tasked to rescue them has reportedly lengthened the captivity of the two victims.

"It could not be ascertained now which one should be followed, the negotiation or the rescue. There is a rescue effort while there are also moves to negotiate for their release without ransom," a ranking official of an anti-kidnapping task force told The STAR.

He said the problem now is in coordinating the effort of those who are into the negotiation panel and those who are part of the rescue teams.

"What is important there is that while negotiation is ongoing, pressure should also be exerted on the abductors," the same source said.

Belonio and Jae were abducted last Feb. 5 in the town of Palembang in Sultan Kudarat while they were reported to have been inspecting a site for possible treasure hunting. The two were said to have been abducted by members of a Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) who were also believed to be a close kin of the town mayor of Palembang.

Elements of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division were said to have been Tasked to rescue the two victims in a joint operation with the members of the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF).

Presidential Assistant for Mindanao Jesus Dureza reportedly met with the opposing groups yesterday to resolve the issue on what to do to ensure the safe release of Belonio and Jae.

The abductors of the two reportedly demanded P10 million in exchange for their freedom but government stands pat on its position that no ransom will be paid for their release.

The government troops were reported to have experienced difficulties in their rescue efforts as they were afraid that the victims might be hit should their abductors put up a fight.