Abu Sayyaf demands P1M ransom for co-op workers

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Authorities said the Abu Sayyaf group that is holding four electric cooperative service crews captive was demanding P1-million ransom and allegedly threatened to harm their hostages.

Basilan police provincial director Senior Supt. Salik Macapantar confirmed there are reports that the Abu Sayyaf group led by Nur Hassan Jamiri and Furuji Indama demanded P1-million ransom

“But we still have to verify this reports,” Macapantar said citing the reported ransom demand has been the talk of the town in Basilan which was allegedly confirmed by Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco) manager Alfredo Oyao.

Macapantar added they have not seen the demand letter purportedly relayed by the Abu Sayyaf to the cooperative management. “But we are verifying the reported P1-million ransom.”

Oyao could not be reached for comment on the alleged ransom in exchange for the release of the four hostages – brothers Alberto and Emilberto Singson, and Paul and Birin Herowig – service crew of Baselco.

The police and military earlier halted its rescue operation after the Baselco management requested to forego any police action as “efforts” has been underway to free safely the four captives.

Local radio also reported a P2-million ransom demanded by the Abu Sayyaf even as the militants warned of executing the victims.

The police said they have not incepted such information which has also circulated in Isabela City, Basilan.

Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar, one of the widows of the late congressman Wahab Akbar, confirmed she has designated Vice Gov. Al-Radheed Sakalahul to establish contact and negotiate for the safe release of the captives.

The five victims, including Ronnie Tansiyung who was released hours after their captivity Thursday, were conducting meter-reading service when they were snatched in a village of Tuburan town.