Kin appeal for snatched Sulu official’s release

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The family of the provincial treasurer of Sulu held captive by the suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits has appealed for the safe release of the victim as the group has not yet made any demand, a security official said yesterday.

Authorities in Sulu continue to investigate the motive behind the kidnapping of Jess Cabelin, 60, who was snatched on Nov. 18 from the provincial capitol in Barangay Bangkal, Patikul town, according to Maj. Franco Alano, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

“The wife of Cabelin said they have not received calls from the kidnappers and they have no idea what the group wants,” Alano said.

The Army official said with the identification of the leaders of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group behind the kidnapping, authorities are eyeing ransom as the motive for the incident.

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

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

The other victims, who remained in captivity of the Abu Sayyaf group, include foreigners, and two filmmakers.