Sulu official appeals for safety of kidnap victim

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – A Sulu local official appealed to kidnappers, believed to be Abu Sayyaf militants, to give paramount consideration on the safety of the 21-year-old Filipino-Chinese captive and spare the victim from any harm. 

Jolo Mayor Hussin Amin, exerted efforts in getting back to freedom the kidnap victim, a resident of Kakuyagan Village, Jolo. 

The son of a doctor was abducted when he went outside the campus of Notre Dame College on Thursday in Jolo supposedly to meet a text mate. 

The family of the victim told police they have already received calls from the suspected kidnappers telling the victim is in their hands and that ransom has been raised in exchange for the liberty of the victim. 

There were reports that the kidnappers have demanded P5 million ransom. But police authorities were verifying the reports and could only confirm that the kidnappers have made contacts. 

However, there was no detail provided as to the fate of the victim.

“The CMC is closely monitoring the case for the safe and early release of the victim. Hopefully the kidnappers will reconsider their victim’s stand because they are residents and native of Jolo,” Amin said. 

The military have been tracking down the kidnappers, who are suspected to be a local armed group that could have some links with the Abu Sayyaf group. 

Meanwhile, security in this city have been intensified to avert any diversionary attacks from the militants while this place has been the month-long Fiesta Pilar celebration.