Abducted gov't exec's family appeals for his safe release

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - The Abu Sayyaf group holding captive the Sulu provincial treasurer has yet to contact his family, prompting them to appeal for the safe release of the victim, according to security official.

Maj. Franco Alano, spokesman of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said government forces in Sulu continue to investigate the motive of the abduction of Jess Cabelin, 60, provincial treasurer in the evening  of Nov. 18  in his sleeping quarters near the provincial capitol at Barangay Bangkal, Patikul town.

“Until now the wife of Cabelin disclosed they have not yet been  contacted  by the kidnappers and they have no idea what is the demand of the group that is keeping the victim,” Alano said.

Alano said that they suspect that the motive of the abduction could be to demand ransom money.

The Joint Task Force Sulu and the 2nd Marine Brigade identified the kidnappers of Cabelin as Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Hatib Sawadjaan and Julli Ikit, whose group was responsible for the spate of kidnappings in Sulu.

The group was still holding captive a telecommunication technician and a security escort early this month in Patikul.

The other victims, who remained in captivity of the Abu Sayyaf group, include three foreigners, and two Filipino independent film makers. - Roel Pareño