P60-million ransom demanded for tugboat crew

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – “Lost command” rebels holding captive three tugboat crews in the jungle of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte reportedly demanded P60 million ransom for their safe release, according to officials.

A member of the local crisis management committee said that the demand was relayed to the management of the M/T Marinero based in Cebu. Siocon Mayor Cesar Soriano, who chairs the local CMC, however, declined to answer phone calls, checking whether the reported huge ransom demand of the kidnappers was verified or confirmed. But the police confirmed, the CMC there is an on going negotiation for the safe release of the captives – Capt. Felipe Miranda, chief mate Cecelio Layasan, and chief engineer Radsie Magtanong of M/T Marinero.

“There is negotiation, but definitely the CMC has been directed to stand on the government’s no ransom policy, no monetary consideration,” said Senior Superintendent Rolando Puruganan, deputy chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) Western Mindanao. The police official said they have already identified the location where the kidnappers, who are members of the lost command groups operating in Siocon town, are believed to be holding their captives.

The victims, on board M/T Marinero and barge SALVMAR-II that came from Makar Wharf in General Santos City enroute to Dapitan, were taking shelter off Siocon bay due to bad weather when the marauders boarded their three pumpboats intercepted their ship and snatched them on Nov. 21. Puruganan said the police and military have placed its forces on standby to allow the peaceful negotiation for the safe release of the hostages.

Police Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela, spokesman for Police Regional Office 9, said they were verifying the reported ransom demand even as his office has not received similar information regarding ransom.

But Gucela appealed to the negotiators and the employers of the victims not to heed to any demand as it will only aggravate the situation.