‘Samal captives Abu Sayyaf’s prize catch’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf bandits are reportedly regarding the three foreigners and a Filipino woman they seized from a resort on Samal Island off Davao del Norte as their prize catch.

Five bandits are reportedly tightly guarding Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall and Maritess Flor, partner of one of the foreigners.

The four were seized from the Holiday Ocean View Resort in Barangay Camudmud on Sept. 21 and were taken to the jungles in Sulu.

“The security is quite tight because this is a prize catch according to them (Abu Sayyaf),” peace advocate Octavio Dinampo said.

Citing ground information obtained by his men, Dinampo said the four hostages are being guarded by the followers of Abu Sayyaf leaders Hatib Hajan Sawadjaan, Yasser Igasan, Amamas, Idang Susukan and Radullan Sahiron.

He said the negotiation for the release of the hostages is ongoing.

Dinampo said the negotiators, whom he refused to identify, are talking to only one Abu faction.

Being a former kidnap victim, he said the negotiation could put the lives of the hostages at risk, as he suggested that the negotiation must include all the factions.

He said while the P4-billion ransom demand is too high and impossible to comply with, this could be trimmed down to a reasonable amount.

Dinampo said no kidnap victim had ever been released in Sulu without payment of ransom.