Gov't persists in ‘no ransom policy’ on abduction cases

MANILA, Philippine (Xinhua) - The government reiterated today it would continue observing the "no ransom policy" in handling abduction and kidnapping cases after an Australian hostage was released with reported ransom on Saturday.

Deputy Presidential Spokeswoman Abigail Valte shrugged off reports that at least P4 million ($98,280) was paid in exchange for the release of Australian national Warren Richard Rodwell yesterday.

Valte, in a radio interview on Sunday, said she has no information if there was an exchange of ransom that led to the release in Pagadian of Rodwell who was abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf members in December 2011 in Zamboanga Sibugay, southern Philippines.

She said it is up to the security and investigating officials to look into the reported ransom payment.

"The policy of the government remains that we do not pay ransom. Having said that, we have no information nor confirmation on that alleged ransom that was paid. The policy of the government has not changed," she said.

There was allegation that a ransom of P7 million ($171,990) was paid for Rodwell's release,  while a report quoting Basilan Vice Governor Al Rasheed Sakalahul said the payment was just 4 million pesos.

Rodwell, a former soldier who worked as a teacher and travel writer, moved to the southern Philippines in 2011 to join his Filipino wife in her native town of Ipil in the restive region. Rodwell was abducted in December 2011 and was released around 1:30 a.m. Saturday in the coastal town of Pagadian after 15 months.

Rodwell was one of several foreigners kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf in the south. Two Europeans and a Jordanian journalist are still being held alongside a Japanese man.

The 380-strong Abu Sayyaf group (ASG), founded in the early 1990s, is a violent Muslim terrorist group operating in the southern Philippines. The ASG engages in kidnappings for ransom, bombings, beheadings, assassinations, and extortion.