Abus demand P2-million ransom for school principal's release

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – The Abu Sayyaf group have demanded P2 million ransom in exchange for the safe release of a school principal they abducted in Patikul, Sulu, police office said yesterday.

The police said the kidnappers relayed their ransom demand to the relatives of kidnap victim Gabriel “Bong” Canizares, 36, principal of the Kanague Elementary School in Patikul.

Police Superintendent Amil Baanan, deputy commander of the Sulu Provincial Police Office, said they have also identified the kidnappers who are members of the Abu Sayyaf group.

Canizares was abducted Oct. 19 in the afternoon in Barangay Tanum while on board a jeepney along with other teachers on their way to Jolo by 12 Abu Sayyaf militants.

“Abu Sayyaf have demanded P2 million ransom and was relayed to the family of the victim yesterday,” Baanan said.

Two of the kidnappers were initially identified as Juhurin Hussin and a certain Amlum Abdun alias Palo, both henchmen of Abu Sayyaf leader Radulan Sahiron.

Baanan believed that the group of Hussin and Abdun were loosely operating on their own.

He said government forces have already tracked down the location of the kidnappers but was cautious in disclosing the place citing it might preempt any operation aimed at rescuing back Canizares.    – Roel Pareño