Teachers on Friday called on the government to double its efforts to rescue six teachers held captive by bandits in Zamboanga.

"We urge authorities to immediately verify the condition of all teachers being held in captivity and to redouble their efforts to secure their immediate release," Antonio Tinio, president of Alliance of Concerned Teachers, said in a statement.

Tinio made the statement after members of the Zamboanga Sibugay crisis management committee announced that they had received information that Naomi Mandi, one of the teachers abducted in Naga town last March 13, has died because she was not provided with her maintenance medicine.

Mandi just had an operation before she and fellow teachers, Jocelyn Enriquez and Jocelyn Inion, were abducted while on their way home from Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School.

"We are saddened to hear reports of the alleged demise of one of the teachers kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay. Once again, we condemn those responsible for these abductions that have victimized these dedicated public servants and deprived hundreds of school children of access to education," Tinio said.

Senior Superintendent Federico Castro Jr., Zamboanga Sibugay police chief, said they are still verifying the report on Mandi's alleged demise.

Kidnappers of the three teachers initially demanded P10 million for their release, but they reportedly brought down the ransom demand by half. There are reports that the three teachers have been turned over by their kidnappers to Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Puriji Indama in Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan province.

Early this year, bandits also kidnapped Rafael Mayonado, Janette de los Reyes and Freires Quizon, at sea while they were travelling by boat from Sacold Island, Zamboanga City. The three were on their way home from Landang Gua village.

Police also believe that the three teachers have been brought by the kidnappers to Basilan. Kidnappers have reportedly demanded P5-million in ransom for their release.