Abu Sayyaf demands P5-M ransom for safe release of NGO worker

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Negotiations have been intensified for the safe release of the remaining aid worker being held captive by gunmen in the jungles of Basilan, according to the chief negotiator.

Police and the military have received information that the kidnappers were demanding P5-million ransom for Millet Mendoza, a non-government organization (NGO) worker.

Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul, designated chief negotiator by the Crisis Management Committee (CMC), could not confirm the reported ransom demand.

“We are appealing to the kidnappers to free Mendoza the same way they safely released Espi (Esperancita Hupida),” he said.

Hupida, program coordinator of the Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), was released by the kidnappers before dawn last Thursday. She was fetched by her husband, Nestor, on instruction of the kidnappers in Barangay Magkawa, Al-Barka town.

Sakalahul said contact has been established with Mendoza’s kidnappers who were reportedly talking directly with her family.

“But remedy has been made and we exhausted all efforts for the safe release of Millet,” he said.

“We hope the kidnappers would heed our call as we have been reiterating to them that the victim they are holding is just helping our province and should not be harmed and instead released the soonest possible time,” he added.

Fr. Angel Calvo, chairman of NFI, said the MILF’s local leadership has not extended any assistance in freeing the victim.

Officials of the town where the victims were held captive have not cooperated in the negotiations with the kidnappers, he added. – Roel Pareño