Ramadan saves kidnap victim from Sayyaf's beheading

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The Abu Sayyaf militants halted its plan to behead its captive laborer on Sunday, citing the observance of the Ramadan in Sulu.

Analiza Lingayan, wife of Remigio Lingayan, confirmed the report after the kidnappers called them up Sunday night, informing the family that they cancelled Remigio's execution.

“The kidnappers said they will not pursue the beheading because of the observance of the Ramadan,” the victim’s wife disclosed.

The Abu Sayyaf group abducted Lingayan, 50, along with his brother-in-law Joselito Gonzales on June 4 in Indanan town while the victims were working on a project of Sulu vice governor Sakur Tan.

Gonzales was reported killed during the encounter on June 19 between the Abu Sayyaf and the military forces in Patikul. Lingayan relayed this information when he was able to call his wife via phone.

The police and military, however, have yet to confirm the information.

The kidnappers initially demanded P20-million ransom, but later reduced it to P3 million and gave the victim’s family 10 days to pay the ransom. The ultimatum lapsed on Sunday.

Mrs. Lingayan said during her conversation with the kidnappers, she appealed to the group to spare her husband as  they are exhausting all means to raise any possible amount to save the life of her husband.

The Lingayan family here has resorted to putting up empty plastic gallons as donation boxes to raise any amount while appealing to the provincial government of Sulu to help negotiate for the release of the victim.