Basilan vice-gov: MILF working for other aid worker's release
abs-cbnNEWS.com | 10/30/2008 10:57 AM
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Basilan Vice-Governor Al-Rasheed Sakalahul said Thursday he is optimistic that the other kidnapped aid worker will be released soon by bandits.
Sakalahul said this was after the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) leadership gave instruction to its ground troops to help the Basilan Crisis Management Committee (CMC) to rescue aid worker Millet Mendoza safely.
"I'm optimistic anytime Ms. Mendoza will be released because the MILF central committee will help in the negotiations. The MILF had given instructions to its ground troops to help in Ms. Mendoza's release," the vice-governor told ABS-CBN News Channel.
The vice-governor, also a member of Basilan CMC, said the MILF will act as the "go-between" group between the abductors and the family of the aid worker.
Sakalahul, meanwhile, said he was sure that the Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandit group is holding the aid worker. "Their leader belongs to the Abu Sayyaf."
He said he is also optimistic that Mendoza is still alive, adding that the aid worker contacted the Basilan CMC last week through phone.
Sakalahul and Father Angel Calvo, head of Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., earlier confirmed that aid worker Esperancita Hupida was released by her captors around 2:15 a.m. Thursday.
The vice-governor said Hupida was released to her husband, Nestor, at the boundary of Al-Bharka and Tipo-Tipo towns.
Calvo, meanwhile, said a "considerable amount of money" was handed to the kidnappers in exchange of Hupida's freedom.
The priest described Hupida as "surprisingly in good condition and in good health."
Sakalahul said the hostages were separated by their kidnappers four days after they were abducted in Tipo-Tipo last September 15.
Calvo said he is very much concerned about Mendoza's welfare "since we don't know what has happened to her."
Hupida is expected to be brought to Zamboanga City to reunite with the rest of her family. With a report from David Santos, ABS-CBN Zamboanga
