Amnesty International calls for safe release of 2 filmmakers

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines   â€“ Anmesty International (AI), a human rights advocacy group, held a candlelight rally at Plaza Pershing here over the weekend as it appealed for the safe release of two Filipino-Algerian sisters who were seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu last June 22.

Sisters Linda and Nadjoua Bansil, both independent filmmakers and AI members, are believed being held captive in the mountains of Patikul town.

The Bansils were doing a documentary in Sulu when they were snatched after visiting Mt. Sinumaan, an area known to have strong Abu Sayyaf presence.

“We are calling on the government to exhaust (all efforts) for the safe release of the victims. We are also calling on their (kidnappers) to free (them) at the earliest possible time,” an AI member said.

The Sulu provincial government, through its crisis management committee, has tapped religious leaders and village officials to help negotiate with the Bansils’ captors once contact is established with them.

Sonny Abing, provincial information officer, said they have still not received word from the nine-man Abu Sayyaf faction led by Nenok Sappari.

Sappari’s group, tagged in a recent spate of kidnappings, is reportedly composed of sons of slain Abu Sayyaf militants.

Police said the group is also reportedly involved in illegal drugs.