MILF orders Sulu forces to help in 2 sisters’ release

MANILA, Philippines - The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) will assist in efforts to free the two independent filmmakers who were kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf members in Sulu last Saturday.

A statement posted on the website luwaran.com said the MILF leadership has asked its political and military organs in Sulu “to do whatever is necessary” to secure the release of siblings Linda and Nadova Bansils from their captors.

The statement did not provide details as to how the MILF units would carry out the instruction.

Earlier, the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) expressed readiness to help in securing the freedom of the two Tausug sisters who have Moroccan descent through their mother.

The MILF broke away from the MNLF decades ago due to political differences.

The MNLF has asked security forces to allow peaceful means to recover the two victims.

MNLF Islamic Command Council chairman Habib Mujahab Hashim previously said efforts were underway to convince the Abu Sayyaf to release the siblings unharmed.

The two sisters were in a public utility jeep and were on their way to Barangay Taglibi in Patikul town when they were seized by about 10 armed men.

The Abu Sayyaf is a local terrorist group tagged in numerous kidnappings and bombings in southern Philippines.

Others who are still being held captive by the group include Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, Europeans Elwold Horn and Lorenzo Vinceguerre, and Filipina Crisalda Marcos-Villarasa.