AFP ready to rescue Comelec exec's son

MANILA, Philippines - The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) yesterday declared readiness to mount rescue operations in the event negotiations for the release of Nuraldin Yusoph, the kidnapped son of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph, fail.

AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Arnulfo Burgos said the military would immediately launch an operation to rescue Yusoph upon request of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

“The Philippine National Police is the lead agency but we are on standby. We are poised and ready for any rescue operation that will be launched in case they need our services,” Burgos said.

He said troops in the area where the younger Yusoph is being held by kidnappers had been instructed to await orders for the rescue operation.

Burgos did not elaborate, citing operational security.

He said the PNP is leading the operation to pinpoint the location of the kidnappers of Yusoph.

Unidentified men kidnapped Yusoph, 22, shortly after he emerged from the VicBato Alih mosque in Barangay Sabala Amanao, Marawi City on June 20.

The kidnappers reportedly called the elder Yusoph demanding that he nullify the election results in the towns of Malabang, Pilong, Taraka, and Masiu in exchange for the release of his son.

The Comelec, however, rejected the demands. The Comelec held special elections in the four towns following a failure of elections during the May 10 polls.

The PNP has created a special task force to coordinate efforts in negotiating the safe release of the younger Yusoph.