ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The kidnappers of a 71-year-old Swiss-born Filipino have sent a proof of life and demanded P30-million ransom in exchange for his release, the local crisis management committee revealed yesterday.
The kidnappers warned that they would harm their captive, Charlie Rieth, by cutting off his fingers and sending these to his family if the ransom would not be paid 12 days after the proof of life – a short video of Reith – was released.
The proof of life was received last May 16 or more than a month since Rieth was seized from his private beach resort in Barangay Patalon, 31 kilometers away from the city proper.
“I am now in the hands of my abductors and they are demanding P30 million for my release and speedy solution is in order. For my family please do something for I am now suffering from my illness and I would like you to know that I am very much alive, respectfully Charlie Rieth,” Rieth said in the video footage shown by the crisis management committee led by Mayor Celso Lobregat.
Rieth appeared to have lost weight and was sporting a beard. He had a wound on his right forearm.
Lobregat said the kidnappers gave the disc containing the video to a courier chosen by Rieth’s friends in an undisclosed location.