Kidnappers demand P15 M for release of village chief, wife

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The gunmen who snatched a village chairman and his wife in Lantawan town in Basilan last Saturday are reportedly demanding P15 million as ransom, according to the police and local crisis management committee (CMC).

The CMC of Lantawan and the Basilan provincial police said the kidnappers reportedly called a cousin of the couple, identified as Pilardo Francisco and his wife Saharina, yesterday to demand ransom.

Police said the victims were taken at gunpoint by eight men in fatigue uniforms on a beach in Lantawan. Authorities believe the couple was taken to Sulu.

Basilan police director Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza said his men were still verifying the reported ransom demand.