ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A public elementary school principal seized by suspected militants in Basilan is alive, Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul said yesterday.
Sakalahul said the kidnappers of Cecilia Sosas, principal of Baas Elementary School in Lamitan town, allowed her husband, SPO1 Noel Sosas, to talk to her for about an hour.
“The victim is alive. So now we have the proof of life and we know now where we stand to initiate negotiations for her safety unlike in the previous days that the kidnappers have not made any contact,” Sakalahul said.
The kidnappers have demanded P1-million ransom in exchange for Sosas’ safe release.
Sosas has been held captive for 22 days now since she was seized last Nov. 15, along with her head teacher Marlyn Yacapin, who was rescued one hour later.