'Missing person, but no kidnapping'

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Police have maintained that the reported kidnapping of a teenager allegedly by the Abu Sayyaf in Lamitan, Basilan was a case of a missing person.

Senior Superintendent Alex Linesis, Basilan provincial police director, also clarified that the victim is a 26-year-old male and not a minor. He identified the victim as Nico Sebastian, 26, a resident of Lamitan, who was missing since May 16.

Initial reports said a 16-year-old teenager with a similar name was kidnapped and his abductors have reportedly asked for ransom.

“There is no such minor victim here, what we gathered was a 26-year-old missing person,” Linesis said.

Meanwhile, authorities have yet to Filipino-Chinese businessman Largio de los Santos whose fate remained uncertain since he was kidnapped last Dec. 16 in Isabela City, Basilan.

The Abu Sayyaf Group led by Puruji Indama demanded P20-million ransom for the release of De los Santos, owner of a restaurant and a mountain resort in Isabela City.

The family of the 58-year-old ailing victim said the kidnappers have stopped contacting them.