Basilan village chief's kidnappers demand P15-M

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Kidnappers believed to be linked with the Abu Sayyaf Group are demanding P15 million in exchange for the safe release of a village chairman and his wife abducted in Lantawan, Basilan province, authorities said Monday.

The local crisis management committee (CMC) of Lantawan town and Basilan provincial police said the kidnappers contacted the cousin of victims Pilardo Francisco and wife Saharina on Monday and demanded the amount.

Francisco and his wife were on board a boat when they were blocked at sea and forcibly taken by eight men wearing fatigue uniforms.

Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, Basilan provincial police director, said they were still verifying the reported ransom demand. He said they have yet to pinpoint the group responsible for the abduction of the couple.

Dapilloza said that they have information that the couple had been brought by their captives to Sulu.

He said they have relayed the information to their counterparts in the province.