Sayyaf frees second aid worker

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf group freed their last hostage, a humanitarian worker after payment of a huge “board and lodging,” a new term of ransom, according to officials.

Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Saka­lahul, designated chief negotiator said Merlie “Millet” Mendoza, working with the Malaysian-funded non-government organization (NGO) was freed to him about 11p.m. at Barangay Baguindan, Al-Barka town, Basilan.

Sakalahul declined to comment whether ransom was paid but military sources hinted that money changed hands for the release of Mendoza who was abducted along with fellow aid worker Esperancita Hupida on Sept. 15 at Tipo-Tipo town.

“She’s with us now. She looks haggard and we will hand her over to the police and military authority,” Sakalahul said.

The Abu Sayyaf group led by Puruji Indama demanded earlier $1.5-million ransom but was reduced following the ongoing negotiation to about P7-million.

The official who asked not to be named said “huge amount changed hands.”

Mendoza, who was brought to the naval base here refused to face the media to clarify whether the reported payment of ransom was true.

The Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM), under Commodore Alexander Pama, have also banned the media from getting inside the camp.

Philippine Marine Commandant Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, however, who was with the victim during the debriefing also declined to comment on the reported payment of ransom.

But Dolorfino confirmed the victim is in high spirit and in good condition.

He said it was not the MILF who negotiated for the release of Mendoza.

The MILF earlier announced it backed out from the negotiations after the kidnappers insisted on payment of “entrance fee” to start the negotiation.

Dolorfino said it was the group of Victor Taylor alias Wahu, a fellow humanitarian worker who negotiated for the release of Mendoza.

“Millet said the kidnappers do not want Christians to negotiate with them. They did not know that Victor was a Christian but who speaks Tausug fluently,” Dolorfino said.

During her captivity, Mendoza said she was made to use the all-face covered Muslim headdress known locally as hijab to avoid being detected by any pursuing forces, according to Dolorfino.

Mendoza also admitted she was maltreated when she was perceived to be telling her Abu Sayyaf captors with lies.

The kidnappers have constantly been moving Mendoza to four different locations to avoid contacts.

According to Mendoza, she knew some of the faces of her captors as she was guarded by two close-in and 20 core group of the Abu Sayyaf.

“At times, Mendoza said that the Abu Sayyaf guarding the perimeter, numbering about a hundred called a red alert after news spread that the Moro Islamic Liberation Front was planning to get her,” Dolorfino said.

Mendoza also said that she saw the two other hostages – nurse Preciosa Feliciano and nursing student Joed Anthony Pilanga – except for Hupida whom she said was separated from her by their captors after three days when they were kidnapped.

Feliciano was freed on Nov. 7 after her family paid P1.9-million ransom, including a motorcycle and armalite rifle.

The kidnappers are demanding P20-million for the release of Pilanga.

Happy with Mendoza’s release

Two Church officials were elated with the news that Mendoza had been released by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group after two months of captivity.

Fr. Anton Pascual, president of Radio Veritas and executive director of Caritas Manila, said that they are grateful to the Lord for protecting Mendoza throughout her ordeal and for keeping her safe.

Mendoza is a Radio Veritas and Caritas Manila consultant in disaster management.

Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad told Radio Veritas that their prayers have been answered. “What the lawless elements did was really an injustice especially for somebody like Milet, who has been helping out in promoting peace in Mindanao. She offers her life for the people of Mindanao.”

He was informed about Mendoza’s release early yesterday morning. She was freed at around 10 p.m. of Nov. 14 and was brought to the house of Sakalahul.

“I believe that she really needs medication, debriefing and all other medical tools in order to make her whole again. The problem is when you are in the mountains, you are deprived of food and rest so they have to attend to her physical and psychological needs,” Jumoad said.