Fr. Angel Calvo, Nagdilaab Foundation Incorporated (NFI) chairman (ABS-CBN Zamboanga)

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Kidnapped workers of a non-government organization (NGO) in Basilan are sick after nearly a month in captivity, said Fr. Angel Calvo, Nagdilaab Foundation Incorporated (NFI) chairman.

The victims were identified as Esperancita Hupida and Milet Mendoza.
 
Calvo said communication with the victims was established by Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul who leads the province’s Crisis Management Committee. He said they have been able to talk to Milet Tuesday night over the phone.
 
Calvo said the communication established the victims are alive. He refused however to comment on the reported P1 million entrance fee which the kidnappers were allegedly demanding just to open up negotiations. He said they are relying on the efforts Sakalahul.
 
The abduction incident has raised concerns from the international community of NGOs. That is why the families of the two aid workers as well as NFI continue their appeal for the safe release of Mendoza and Hupida.
 
The two NGO workers were kidnapped along with four others in Basilan last September 15, while in Tipo-tipo town conducting an inspection on their NGO’s projects.

The four others said they were able to escape while the two aid workers remain abducted by lawless elements.

The authorities have yet to announce officially if the abductors belong to bandit group Abu Sayyaf.