Kidnap groups lower ransom demand for six Zambo teachers
By QUEENIE CASIMIRO, ABS-CBN Zamboanga | 03/25/2009 9:49 PM
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The groups that have abducted six teachers in Zamboanga peninsula have reportedly lowered ransom demands for the release of their captives.
Authorities revealed Tuesday that members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) have agreed to lower their ransom demand for three teachers kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay earlier this month.
Senior Superintendent Federico Castro Jr, Zamboanga Sibugay police chief, confirmed that the kidnappers, in a phone call to Task Force Bangkaw-Bangkaw, had demanded for P10 million in ransom. The new demand is half the reported initial amount they were asking for. The task force was created to address the kidnapping of the three teachers and is composed of representatives of police, military, local government and non-government organizations.
Castro said that a certain "Bobby" had contacted Task Force Bangkaw-Bangkaw on Monday morning about the ransom demand. He said the kidnap victims were not allowed to speak to authorities.
"The last time we talked with the teachers was three days after they were taken. They were hysterical and are really asking that they be released soon," he said.
“Turned over to ASG”
Police revealed that according to informants, the kidnap victims were turned over two or three days ago to the group of Puruji Indama, leader of the ASG operating in Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan province.
Teachers Noemi Mandi, Jocelyn Inion and Jocelyn Enriquez were on their way to Poblacion in Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay by pumpboat on March 13 when they were abducted by four armed men on board another pumpboat. The suspects spared another teacher and the pumpboat operator.
The military in Zamboanga Sibugay said their search and rescue operations in the province has been difficult. Brig. Gen. Jovencio Magalso of Army’s 1st Infantry Division said their troops have scoured all islands and islets in the area and neighboring provinces but have failed to find the kidnappers.
Marine Brig. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of 1st Marine Brigade based in Basilan, meanwhile said they are still trying to locate the kidnapped teachers using information given by the Philippine National Police.
Zambo City tutors
Elsewhere in Zamboanga City, intelligence officers said Wednesday that the abductors of three teachers from Landang Gua also lowered their ransom demands.
The group is now reportedly demanding P5 million in ransom, a million less than their previous demand, in exchange for the freedom of Janet delos Reyes, Freires Quizon, and Raphael Mayonado, all teachers from Landang Gua Integrated School.
The intelligence officers had attended a conference in Zamboanga City called "Intelligence Fusion." The conference, presided by PNP Directorate for Intelligence Chief Superintendent Eugene Martin, reportedly aims to coordinate and integrate all intelligence efforts and information gathered concerning kidnap victims in Zamboanga peninsula, Basilan and Sulu.
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