Yusoph asks Aquino to prioritize rescue of kidnapped son

MANILA, Philippines - Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph has appealed to president-elect Benigno Aquino III to include among his priorities the safe release of his son from the hands of kidnappers.

Speaking with reporters after he and his colleagues in the Comelec were honored by President Arroyo at Malacañang, Yusoph said that he asked the President to place the province of Lanao del Sur under full military control.

He said Mrs. Arroyo has ordered Executive Secretary Leandro Mendoza to coordinate with the Secretary of National Defense but did not promise anything.

Yusoph said that the President was quick to order the military to rescue his son as soon as she learned about the incident.

His son Nuraldin was kidnapped outside a mosque in Marawi City last June 20.

The kidnappers have demanded the nullification of the election results of four towns in Lanao del Sur in exchange for the safe release of Yusoph’s son.

“I think everybody knows that my son was kidnapped because of my being a member of the Commission on Elections,” Yusoph said.

“These people, because of greed for power, thought of kidnapping my son thinking that I can be compromised. But I told them I cannot compromise my office,” he added.