Sakahalul denies benefiting from Aussie’s ransom

MANILA, Philippines - Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakahalul has denied accusations anew that he partook from the P7 million ransom paid for the freedom of Australian kidnap victim Warren Rodwell.

“I have submitted myself to the Almighty and my conscience is clear,” Sakahalul told reporters as he dismissed text messages accusing him of benefiting from the ransom.

He stood as the negotiator due to the appeal of the Australian’s kin to free Rodwell after 15 months in the hands of his kidnappers.

He said his family is hurting from circulating text messages maligning his intentions to free the foreigner from his kidnappers in Basilan.

Sakahalul said the accusations against him could be politically motivated. Although he is in his third term as vice governor of Basilan, his son is running for the same post in the upcoming May elections.

“I think it’s about time for the families of the kidnap victims I helped previously to come out and tell the truth,” he said.

Sakahalul also clarified that the negotiation to free Rodwell was actually initiated by Miraflor Gutang and that he only assisted the latter to ensure they would not be duped by the gunmen.

“I did not even touch the money that was placed in a backpack and delivered by a man identified as a certain Roger, who is reportedly a cousin of Ms. Miraflor,” he said.

Sakahalul said he had no idea where Gutang, the Filipino wife of Rodwell, got the ransom they paid to the kidnappers.

Although this is not be the first time that he was accused of such involvement, Sakahalul said he could not help but get emotional over the way the criticisms have affected his family.

He added he is open to any investigation.