No ransom for kidnappers of three Zambo teachers - Puno
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 03/18/2009 12:35 AM
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Interior and Local Government Secretary Ronaldo Puno revealed Tuesday in Zamboanga City that kidnappers of three Zamboanga teachers have been making ransom demands.
Puno did not disclose however how much the kidnappers were demanding but maintained that the government's "no ransom policy" will be implemented. The kidnappers took three teachers from Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in Naga municipality in Zamboanga Sibugay.
The victims' families meanwhile did not confirm reports of the ransom demand but reiterated their appeal for the safe release of their loved ones, adding that they cannot afford to pay any ransom.
The three victims, Joceyn Asuelo Inion, 39; Noemi Navales Mandi, 39; and Jocelyn Enriquez, 42, were taken by armed bandits while they were riding a boat home.
Commodore Alex Pama, Naval Forces Western Mindanao Combined commander, meanwhile said they have already identified the suspects involved in the kidnapping but said it is premature to announce the names in public, pending verification and ground operations.
Pama assured that military operations are in full swing and that they are concentrating on Zamboanga Sibugay coastal areas and 11 islands in Zamboanga City where the victims are reportedly being hidden.
In an executive meeting held in Zamboanga City on Monday afternoon, Puno proposed that there be common guidelines to be followed by local government units in the region in resolving kidnapping cases and deterring possible kidnapping attempts.
Zamboanga City Mayor Celso Lobregat called for united and collaborative efforts among officials of Zamboanga City, Zamboanga Sibugay and Basilan province to implement kidnapping prevention-measures.
High-ranking officials from the region signed a covenant of cooperation to show their full support in fighting crimes like kidnapping. Report from RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News Zamboanga
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