P25-million ransom sought for Zamboanga carpenter

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Kidnappers believed to have links to a “lost command” of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) have demanded a P25-million ransom for a 61-year-old carpenter they seized in a remote village here, Mayor Celso Lobregat said.

Lobregat said the abductors relayed the ransom demand to the family of kidnap victim Doroteo Gonzales last Friday.

Gonzales was abducted last April 25 in Barangay Buenavista east of this city and brought to Basilan.

Last Jan. 23 three public school teachers were also seized here and brought to Basilan.

“There has been a proof of life. (Gonzales’) daughter Edna was able to talk to the kidnappers last Friday and (they) demanded P25 million,” Lobregat said.

However, Gonzales’ family said it was impossible for them to raise the huge sum, he said.

The kidnappers called up the following day and reduced the ransom to P10 million and later to P5 million but still the family could ill-afford to raise this.

“The victim’s family appealed to the kidnappers instead to free their father because they cannot raise any ransom money,” said Lobregat, chief of the local crisis management committee.

Gonzales though was allowed to talk to his family, saying he was only fed once a day and needed medicine for his swollen foot.

This developed as the military captured one of the suspects in Gonzales’ abduction, identified as Nasser Abdurajak alias Taum, said Col. Santiago Baluyot, chief of Task Force Zamboanga.

Lobregat said kidnapping charges have been filed against Abdurajak, who is now under the custody of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group.

Police also recovered the motorized banca used by the kidnappers in spiriting Gonzales out of the city.

Meanwhile, Lobregat admitted they have been unsuccessful in convincing the kidnappers of teachers Janette de los Reyes, Rafael Mayonado, and Freires Quizon – held for more than 100 days now – to release them.

Lobregat said the kidnappers still insist on a P4-million ransom for their freedom.

The teachers’ families have appealed to President Arroyo to intercede in the case.

Lobregat though said the President earlier had directed Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno and Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro to oversee efforts in seeking the teachers’ release.