Crisis committee clueless on fate of Aussie captive
ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines – A crisis management committee (CMC) created to handle the kidnapping of Australian Warren Richard Rodwell has received no information about his fate since last month.
“There has been no text, no message or communication from those who are holding the victim,” Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Rommel Jalosjos said yesterday.
He said the latest information they received was when the kidnappers sent a video and pictures of Rodwell to his wife last Dec. 20.
Jalosjos said the Australian embassy is coordinating with the CMC and police for the safe release of Rodwell, 56, who is married to Filipina Mariflor Gutang.
Zamboanga Sibugay provincial police commander Senior Superintendent Ruben Cariaga said reports reaching his office showed that the victim is being held in Basilan.
“But our forces have been on alert to the possibility that the kidnappers will transfer their captive to Zamboanga Sibugay because of the intensified military and police action in Basilan,” Cariaga said.
Military reports stated that Rodwell is a captive of a group led by Abu Sayyaf commander Razmier Alih.
The kidnappers have demanded a $2-million ransom for the release of the victim.
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