Rodwell flies out of Mindanao to meet siblings in Manila

ZAMBOANGA CITY,  Philippines  - - Freed Australian national Warren Richard Rodwell has been flown  out secretly from Mindanao,  where he was held more than 15 months,  to meet his brother and sister in Manila, according to military officials here.

No one, however, from the local military officers would officially speak on the matter, but military sources said  Rodwell was flown shortly after midday on a private plane despite his weak condition. Rodwell is set to meet his siblings, who flew in from Australia,  in Manila.

The Australian was held for more than a year by members of the al-Qaeda linked Abu Sayyaf group.

Basilan Vice Governor Al-Rasheed Sakalahul, who was supposed to fly with Rodwell,  confirmed the  flight . Sakalahul, however, had to take a commercial flight because the private plane could only accommodate a limited number of passengers.

Sakalahul said he was invited by the Australian embassy to go to Manila owing to his efforts in seeking the release of Rodwell. Sakalahul will also meet Rodwell's brother and sister at the VIP lounge of the  Ninoy Aquino International Airport (NAIA) terminal at about 4 p.m. Monday.

He said Rodwell's family  would also like to personally thank him for the assistance he provided.

“I’m happy that with my little effort,  the Australian government took time to recognize me,” Sakalahul said even as he denied allegations that he made money from  the ransom paid for Rodwell's release.

“If they  prove their allegation  that  I skimmed money from the ransom, then I’m willing to be incarcerated,” Sakalahul said.

He said  the false information about him has  endangered his life and of his family.

“Their allegation is dangerous because the Abu Sayyaf group might go after me to collect the alleged money despite it being a lie,” Sakalahul added.

He said the P4-million random paid was an initiative of Rodwell's wife and he just helped to ensure  Rodwell's safety.

Sakalahul said “it was the  wife's decision  to pay as it was the only way to hasten the release of the victim as the captivity has dragged on, endangering  Rodwell's health."