Aussie's captors contacted gov, says security official

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The kidnappers of an Australian national have reportedly contacted Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos to open possible negotiations for the victim’s release, a security official said yesterday.

The source, who asked not to be named due to a “news blackout” on the kidnapping, said the captors of Warren Richard Rodwell did not demand anything yet, except saying that they wanted to negotiate directly with Jalosjos. 

The source could not immediately say when the kidnappers contacted the governor, adding though that they “apparently contacted twice.”

Authorities could not confirm the reported contact, but expressed surprise how the kidnappers managed to get the cell phone number of the governor.

Jalosjos, who imposed the news blackout, refused to answer calls or queries on the supposed contact by the kidnappers. 

Chief Superintendent Elpedio de Asis, Region 9 police director, declined to confirm or deny the information, saying only the local crisis management committee is authorized to make any statement on the case.

Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation in Western Mindanao, and Ipil Mayor Aldwin Alibutdan, head of the crisis management committee, also declined to answer calls.

But a security source said the cell phone number used by the kidnappers in calling Jalosjos is now being tracked down.

Authorities suspect the kidnappers may have brought 56-year-old Rodwell to Basilan, a known turf of Abu Sayyaf militants who have been involved in several ransom kidnappings.

Rodwell was seized from his home in Barangay Upper Pangi, Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay last Dec. 5.