Abus demand P3-M ransom for Basilan school principal

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – The Abu Sayyaf is reportedly demanding P3-million ransom for a 60-year-old school principal in Sumisip, Basilan who was snatched last Monday, an education official said.

Nuriiya Jamaldin, Sumisip central district supervisor, told radio station dxNO based in Isabela City, Basilan that the militants raised the ransom for the safe release of Benita Enriquez Latonio, principal of the Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town.

Latonio’s family confirmed the ransom demand but declined to give further details, citing her safety.

Latonio was supposed to be freed on Tuesday following negotiations by local officials and barangay leaders. However, a third-party armed group intervened, stalling her release.

Latonio was seized last Monday by Abu Sayyaf militants wearing ski masks in Sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug, Sumisip town.

The principal, together with some teachers, was on board a passenger jeepney on her way to report to the division office of the Department of Education in Isabela City when she was seized by five militants under Abu Sayyaf commander Juhaibel Alamsirul, alias Abu Kik.

Officials disclosed that prior to the principal’s kidnapping, the Abu Sayyaf had been exacting P500 monthly from each of the teachers in Sumisip as “protection money.”