Gazmin to kidnap victims' kin: Don't pay ransom

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Tuesday discouraged the families of kidnap victims from paying ransom, but admitted that the government cannot do anything if they choose to do so.

“The government cannot do anything if someone decides to pay to secure the freedom of her spouse,” Gazmin said, adding that the “no ransom policy” only applies to the government.

Gazmin, meanwhile, noted that the payment of ransom to terrorists would only yield more problems.

“We are discouraging the paying of ransom,” he said.

Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul confirmed reports that the family of kidnapped Australian Warren Richard Rodwell had paid P4 million to secure his freedom.

Rodwell, 54, was abducted by Abu Sayyaf militants in his home in Ipil town on Dec. 5, 2011.

His captors originally demanded $2 million for his release but authorities refused to give in, saying they adhere to a no-ransom policy.

The Australian was released by his captors on March 23 in a coastal area in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur.

Gazmin said measures are being undertaken to ensure the safety of other kidnap victims who are still with the Abu Sayyaf.

He said they do not want the victims to be caught in crossfire just like what happened to American missionary Martin Burnham, who was killed in 2002.

“We need to study carefully [our operations] and come up with a good plan to ensure that the victims will not be harmed,” Gazmin said.

Martin, his wife Gracia and 18 other individuals were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Palawan in May 2001.

Also among those kidnapped was American-Peruvian Guillermo Sobero, who was beheaded by the bandits in June 2001.

In 2002, Martin was slain during a rescue operation conducted by the military. Gracia, however, survived and managed to write a book that recounted her experiences while with her abductors.

The Abu Sayyaf, which has alleged ties to the international terror cell Al Qaeda, has about 400 members.

At least four foreigners are still being held captive by the group namely Elwold Horn from Holland, Lorenzo Vinceguerre of Switzerland, Jordanian journalist Baker Abdulla Atyani and Japanese Toshio Ito.

Horn and Vinceguerre are wild bird watchers who were kidnapped on Feb. 1, 2012 in Tawi-Tawi.

Atyani and his two Filipino crew members were captured by the Abu Sayyaf militants in June 2012. The two Filipino crew members namely Ramel Vela and Roland Letrero were released last February.

Toshio, a treasure hunter, was abducted in July 2010 and is believed to be the foreigner held captive by the terrorists.