Abus demand $15 million for release of Vagni

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf is demanding a $15-million ransom to free Italian Eugenio Vagni, the last Red Cross worker in terrorist hands, according to a source in Sulu.

However, Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan said he will not allow any ransom payment since it would be bad for the reputation of his province.

They continue to convince the Abu Sayyaf to free Vagni without the payment of ransom, he added.

The highly placed source said Vagni was supposed to have been released last week after payment of ransom.

“Disagreements among the Abu Sayyaf leaders might have mired the plan and there were unconfirmed information that among their concessions was the increase of ransom to $15 million,” said the source who asked for anonymity.

The source said Abu Sayyaf leaders Albader Parad, Umbra Jumdail alias Dr. Abu Pula and Basilan-based Commander Isnilon Hapilon are keeping Vagni.

However, Sulu’s most senior militant leader Radullan Sahiron could also be involved in the kidnapping, he added.

The source said the ransom could have been raised to $15 million after the US government announced a reward of $1 million for the “neutralization” of two other militants based in central Mindanao.

“They have to match the offer so that their people will not turn their backs and help tip the government security,” the source said.

Meanwhile, the source confirmed reports received by the Task Force ICRC that Vagni had been taken from Mt. Tukay in Indanan and moved to the hideout of Dr. Abu Pula in Parang.

The source said Parad and Hapilon have laid out the defenses against any possible military rescue operation.

“So bago pa man makapasok sa main area makakatakas na ang grupo na may hawak kay Vagni,” the source said.

Vagni is nearing his fifth month in captivity after being kidnapped along with international Red Cross workers Swiss Andreas Notter and Filipina Mary Jean Lacaba in Patikul, Sulu on Jan. 15.

Notter and Lacaba were freed separately last April. – Roel Pareño