Sayyaf bandits threaten to harm 2 NGO workers

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits threatened to harm two female social workers they have held captive in Basilan since Sept. 15 if their ransom demand is ignored, a priest said.

Fr. Angel Calvo said negotiations for the release of hostages Esperancita Hupida and Millet Mendoza have become “very difficult,” as their kidnappers have demanded a huge ransom.

Calvo, chairman of Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI), a non-profit non-government organization for which Hupida works as program coordinator, said there has been little contact with the kidnappers.

“The negotiations for the safe release of the victims (have turned) very sad. The kidnappers have demanded a very high (ransom) and they threatened to harm Espie (Huspida’s nickname) if the ransom will not be complied with,” Calvo said.

Calvo was in Isabela City, Basilan to personally oversee efforts to seek the freedom of the two women being held captive for more than five weeks now.

“Reports were received that the kidnappers have threatened to cut a finger of Espie,” he added.

Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Saka­lahul, chairman of the crisis management committee and chief negotiator, could not be reached to confirm the threats against the two NGO workers.

“The situation is getting very tense and sad. No matter how big the (ransom) the kidnappers would demand, the problem is the families of the victims cannot afford to pay it,” Calvo said.

He cited reports that a ransom of P3 million to P4 million is being demanded for Hupida’s release, and a bigger amount for Mendoza’s.

Calvo appealed to local government officials and “everybody of goodwill” to help end the kidnapping crisis.

“In a recent contact with Espie she really cried for help that they may be freed soon,” he said.

Hupida and Mendoza were abducted last Sept. 15 in Barangay Kabangalan, Tipo-Tipo, along with three others who were freed hours later to relay the incident.