Kidnapped resort owner alive

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A restaurant and resort owner seized by Abu Sayyaf bandits was confirmed to be alive after his kidnappers sent a letter to his family demanding ransom, Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul said yesterday.

Sakalahul, who chairs the crisis management committee, said he was informed by the family of Hilario de los Santos, alias Larry Font, about the ransom letter.

De los Santos, owner of a restaurant and a mountain resort in Isabela City, Basilan, was snatched from his resort on the night of last Dec. 16.

He was earlier feared to have died as he was shot when he was kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf militants under Commander Puruji Indama.

Sakalahul said De los Santos’ kidnappers sent the letter to his family via a freight forwarder two days ago.

“The family of De los Santos confirmed it was his handwriting. The letter somehow serves as proof of life because there were apprehensions (that he) might have died from (gunshot) wounds,” he said.

Sakalahul, however, advised De los Santos’ family not to heed the ransom demand and ask for more proof of life.

Meanwhile, authorities were verifying reports that the kidnappers of Marycris Cuartocruz, 21, a nursing graduate who was seized from her house in this city last Dec. 14, have demanded P20-million ransom.