Police mum on Aussie's video

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Police authorities refused to give information on the fate of kidnapped Australian Warren Richard Rodwell amid the circulation of his purported video and pictures.

Chief Superintendent Mario Yanga, acting Police Regional Office (PRO) 9 director, said they could not confirm the authenticity of the video showing Rodwell appealing to authorities for his safe release.

The video also showed Rodwell urging his family and the Philippine and Australian governments to raise a $2-million ransom demanded by his captors.

Rodwell’s captors reportedly sent the video to his Filipino wife Miraflor Gutang.

Yanga said the Australian embassy gave its assurance that it would coordinate with local authorities to ensure the safe recovery of Rodwell.

Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos had imposed a news blackout two days after Rodwell was kidnapped last Dec. 5.