ZAMBOANGA CITY – The head of the Crisis Management Committee in Zamboanga City has admitted that they have sent “emissaries” to the province of Basilan to possibly negotiate for the release of the three teachers abducted last January 23.

City Mayor Celso Lobregat however clarified that these “emissaries” volunteered to offer their services.

“Everyone is welcome to give their suggestions. There were individuals who have approached me and said they probably knew somebody in Basilan and could help for the release of the three,” Lobregat said.

Lobregat said however, that the city government is maintaining the no ransom policy. The possible negotiations, he said, were for the release without any ransom payment.

The kidnappers earlier demanded P6 million for the release of Janette delos Reyes, 29, Freires Quizon, 28, and Raphael Mayonado, 24.

Lobregat said the captive teachers have continued to send messages through cellphones to their families in Zamboanga City and reportedly have insisted that the ransom be paid as soon as possible.

The city mayor said however that he refuses to adhere because of the no ransom policy. Lobregat also reiterated that government officials are not supposed to stand as negotiators accordingm he said, to the Constitution.

Meantime, the families of the three abducted teachers have ceased talking to members of ,edia , as well as the Department of Education.