Abu Sayyaf lowers ransom for Indian hostage

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – The Abu Sayyaf has lowered from P10 million to P1 million its ransom demand for the release of an Indian national they kidnapped in Sulu.

Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) in Western Mindanao, said the kidnappers reduced their ransom demand after the wife of the captive said they cannot afford to pay P10 million.

Biju Kollaraveettil, 36, an Indian working in Kuwait and married to a Filipina Muslim, was seized last June 22 in his residence in Barangay Timpook.

The Abu Sayyaf group responsible for the kidnapping is led by Jurim Hussin from Barangay Tuwak in Patikul town. The other members of the group are Ninok Sappari, Mamih Samlahun, Almudjir Yadah and Namil Aharadji alias Gapas.

Meanwhile, Khu said negotiations are ongoing for the safe release of midwife Hadja Evangeline Taverisma, 55, who was kidnapped last Aug. 3, also by suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels in Indanan town.

The kidnappers also lowered their ransom demand from P15 million to P1 million after the family of the midwife said they could not raise the big amount.

The two captives were among the five remaining hostages, including a Malaysian, and two Filipino fishermen, still being held by Abu Sayyaf group.