Sakalahul denies anew skimming from ransom money

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Basilan vice governor Al-Rasheed Sakalahul on Thursday dimissed anew allegations that he skimmed from the ransom paid by the family of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell to the Abu Sayyaf group.

"I have submitted myself to the Almighty and my conscience is clear," said Sakalahul following text messages, alleging that he made money from the ransom.

The Basilan official was also accused of being involved in kidnapping incidents in southern Philippines.

Sakalahul, who is in his third term as vice governor, is not running for any political post in the May 2013 polls, but his son has replaced him to run for the same post in Basilan.

“My conscience is clear and I can’t stomach to feed my family from dirty money. I think it is about time for the families of the kidnap victims whom I have helped  should come out and speak the truth,” Sakalahul told reporters in a local hotel in this port city.

Sakalahul said the negotiations were initiated by Miraflor Gutang, Rodwell's wife,  and that he only assisted her to ensure that she would not be duped by the gunment.

“I did not even touch the money that was placed in a bag and delivered by a man identified as a certain Roger, who is reportedly a cousin of Miraflor,” Sakalahul said.

He said he had conducted more than 10 negotiations that helped free hostages in previous kidnapping incidents.

Sakalahul, who is the chairman of the local management council, added that there were times he also negotiated for the release of the remains of six of  19 slain soldiers kept by the militants.

Sakalahul said the idea to pay ransom to the terror group came from Rodwell's family, following threats that the Australian would soon be executed by the gunmen.

“So we can not prevent the family to take that option to hasten the safe release of the victim. Besides, Rodwell’s health condition was worsening,” Sakalahul added.

He said the Australian Embassy assured him of its help should the Philippine government pursue the investigation on the payment of ransom.