Pols eyeing 2013 polls behind kidnaps in Zambo Peninsula?

MANILA, Philippines - Certain politicians and local officials eyeing elective positions in the 2013 polls are being eyed in the spate of kidnappings in the Zamboanga Peninsula and nearby provinces.

“The sudden upsurge in kidnapping for ransom activities is already part of the ongoing fundraising campaign by incumbent or former local officials in preparation for the 2013 local elections,” a retired politician based in the region told senior military and police officials comprising the Joint Peace and Coordinating Committee (JPCC).

One example of this fundraising campaign, he said, was the recent kidnapping of three South Koreans who were subsequently rescued at the boundary of the two Lanao provinces last month.

Without elaborating, he said the kidnappers of the three South Koreans were all under the employ of a local official who is planning to run in the 2013 elections.

“That’s only one group; there are others. It’s already an open season to raise funds for the 2013 local elections. You have to watch and pay particular attention to these groups,” he urged JPCC officials.

The kidnappers of the three South Koreans, who traveled to Lanao for possible mining investments, failed to collect ransom from their families as provincial officials, in coordination with police and military authorities, intervened in the case.

“We learned that after the kidnappers were identified, their respective families were also ‘invited’ to assist the authorities in negotiating the release of the three hostages,” the retired politician said.

One of the three South Koreans later died at a Cagayan de Oro City hospital.

The politician said the kidnapping of an Australian national in Zamboanga Sibugay is also a fundraising campaign either by local politicians or the Abu Sayyaf and other lawless groups.

The victim, Warren Richard Rodwell, 56, was seized from his residence at Green Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Pangi, Ipil town by armed men Monday night.