Squabbles delay release of captured Aussie

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Disagreements among operatives of the police, military and foreign security service have been delaying the release of the Australian national held hostage for more than a year now by the Abu Sayyaf, a security official said. 

A highly placed source who is involved in the operation but asked not to be named said the Australian Secret Service reportedly insisted to be the lead body in the operations in communicating the kidnappers of Warren Richard Rodwell.

Rodwell, 57, a former serviceman and traveler married to Filipino Mariflur Gutang, was kidnapped last Dec. 5, 2011 from his home in Green Meadow subdivision in Barangay Upper Pangi, Ipil town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

The security official said that the operatives of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, however, resented the move of the Australian service, which is coordinating its efforts with some members of the Central Intelligence Agency working in the Philippines.

“It appeared that the foreign security service wants to spearhead the operations, tapping other intelligence units in the AFP to open communication or negotiation with the kidnappers,” the source added.

The official added that the military intelligence unit task to help secure the freedom of Rodwell wants all efforts to be coursed through the Anti-Kidnapping Group and Mindanao Area Police Intelligence Office, the designated units handling the operation in locating and securing the release of the kidnap victim.

The police forces were also affected by the squabbles of the two operating factions as they do not know where to course their ground reports, the source said.

“So nade-delay ngayon kung ano man ang efforts na mapalaya si Rodwell,” the source added. 

Rodwell, in his recent appeal over a proof of life video release before Christmas, have expressed desperation of any early release but was still hopeful of getting his freedom from captivity.

Rodwell believed that efforts have been going on to secure his release.

The kidnappers, believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group have reportedly demanded US$25,000 dollars much lower from its initial US$2-million-dollar ransom.