Abu Sayyaf demands P1 M for proof of life of 2 aid workers

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Abu Sayyaf group holding two community workers captive in Basilan is demanding P1 million for proof of life being sought by negotiators, a military official confirmed yesterday.

The military official, however, said the kidnappers have not demanded an exact amount for the release of Esperanzita Hupida and Millet Mendoza.

“They are asking P1 million for the proof of life,” said Col. Rustico Guerrero, commander of the 1st Marine Brigade based in Tabiawan, Basilan.

The Basilan Crisis Management Committee (CMC) handling the negotiation for the safe release of the victims had sought a proof of life to know the state of the victims.

There were reports that the kidnappers have already demanded huge ransom for the safe release of Hupida, program director of the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), and Mendoza, a veteran non-government organization (NGO) coordinator.

But Guerrero said there has been no direct negotiation with the kidnappers who ask for money in exchange for every bit of information on the victims.

He said emissaries deployed to facilitate the negotiation were being asked to pay certain amounts.

Guerrero, member of the CMC, said Hupida and Mendoza have remained in the custody of the Abu Sayyaf group led by Puruji Indama.

Indama’s group was identified as the kidnappers of the two NGO workers based on the pictures and descriptions of former victims.

Guerrero also confirmed, based on intelligence reports and information from an emissary, that the two victims remained in good condition.

Meanwhile, the CMC has not given up on the hostages despite the Abu Sayyaf’s imposition of money demands for the slightest information.

“Military option is the last option of the CMC,” Guerrero said.

He said the Marines and the police have remained in the area for any eventuality once the negotiations fizzle out.