P2-M ransom demanded for MSU teacher

ILIGAN CITY – The supposed kidnappers of the Mindanao State University (MSU) professor snatched last Wednesday are reportedly asking at least P2 million in ransom.

According to Flora Manulat, her husband Rhede Nelson Manulat called up her cellular phone in relaying P2 million ransom demand by his kidnappers.

The victim even described his kidnappers as among the 31 former MSU security guards who were forced into kidnapping activity because they were not paid their salaries.

Manulat then asked his wife to contact MSU president Dr. Camar Umpa to negotiate directly with the kidnappers.

Mrs. Manulat, however, claimed Umpa refused to talk with the kidnappers and reiterated the no ransom policy of the school.

Umpa also echoed the suspicions of the military that the kidnapping was a "fund raising" activity of Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) guerrillas.

Umpa reportedly formed a task force to coordinate with provincial government officials and the police on efforts to negotiate for the release of Manulat.

Manulat, a business administration professor, was among those who were earlier snatched aboard a Marawi-city bound passenger jeepney.

Three MSU coeds were later rescued Thursday night by the police without any ransom being paid.

Chief Superintendent Ricardo de Leon, Philippine National Police (PNP) director for police-community relations, said they are looking into the possibility that the MILF carried out the kidnapping.

The kidnappers reportedly identified themselves later by a text message to Mrs. Manulat as Commander Vietnam and Commander Alvin.