Kidnappers demand ransom for abducted Zambo trader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - Gunmen, believed to be Abu Sayyaf members, holding captive a restaurant owner in this city have demanded ransom in exchange for his release, according to the police.

Chief Supt. Juanito Vaño, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) director, disclosed that the kidnappers contacted the family of kidnap victim Edgar Favella last Tuesday and issued their ransom demand.

The family kept mum on the amount of ransom demanded by the kidnappers.

Favella, 52, a restaurant and trucking business operator, was abducted inside his eatery last Jan. 11 and was taken on board a pumpboat towards the high seas.

“We were informed they’ve contact (with the kidnappers). They have proof of life,” Vaño said, adding that that the kidnappers allowed their captive to speak with his family.

He said the victim seemed to be healthy during the  call.

The police have released some of the images of the suspects through cartographic sketches provided by an artist.

The police said the suspects were young men aged between 27 and 28 years old. - Roel Pareño