Kidnappers identified; demand 10 million ransom

By Ping Deliverio

Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay - Task Force Bancao-Bancao Chief and PNP Provincial Director P/Senior Superintendent Federico Castro released during a press conference held at the provincial capitol on Wednesday, March 18, 2009, released photos and cartographic sketches of suspects involved in the kidnapping of the three (3) public school teachers in Naga town last March 13.

The alleged suspects were identified as Camsa Asdanal, his two (2) un-identified sons, Ging-ging Calon and Mohammad Arani alias Gigi. P/Supt. Castro said that the group allegedly are notorious pirates and extortionist operating in the waters of Sibugay.

Castro further revealed that the kidnapping of the three (3) teachers could possibly be a retaliatory act of Camsa’s group. Accordingly, that on March 10, elements of the 18^th IB encountered Camsa’s group in the waters along RT Lim and Tungawan and engaged in a brief firefight that resulted in the wounding of one of Camsa’s kin. Camsa’s kin reportedly died the next day and was buried on March 12. Castro said that the plan to kidnap was probably hatched after the burial.

Castro disclosed while they count on the possibility that the kidnappers could have fled towards Tipo-tipo in Basilan, he added that, “there is also a possibility that they are still in our area considering the naval blockade established, it might have been difficult for them to leave the area.”

Castro further disclosed that ransom money has already been demanded by the kidnappers, but he refused, however, to divulge how much. But in a separate press conference at Kapamanok, San Pablo, during the visit of President Arroyo last March 17, PNP Regional Director of Region 9 P/Chief Superintendent Angel Hipolito T. Sunglao, divulged that a PhP 10 million ransom was demanded by the kidnappers in exchange for the safe release of the three (3) kidnapped public school teachers. Initially, thru a negotiator only known as alias ‘Bobby’, the first demand was PhP 30 million, and then was later reduced to PhP 20 million, until finally on the evening of March 16, the ransom demand was reduced to PhP 10 million.

Meanwhile, P/Supt. Castro allayed fears and rumors that one of the captives might already be dead, by saying that the last contact that was made with the kidnappers was around 2 pm Wednesday, March 18. Accordingly, the negotiator from the government side was able to hear the voices of the three (3) teachers.

Castro further added that they are abiding the no-ransom policy of the government. Atty. Nicerio Napigkit, speaking in behalf of the provincial governor, strongly condemned the kidnapping of the ‘poor, hapless and helpless teachers’. Napigkit appealed to all civic-minded Sibugaynons to join in the collective effort for the safe release of the teachers.

Kins plead to kidnappers for unconditional release

Through the media, relatives and loved ones of the kidnapped teachers appealed to the kidnappers for the safe, unconditional and early release of their kins. Helen Tarukan, sister of kidnapped Jocelyn Inion, said, “Pobreng teachers lang sila, siguro may mga anak din kayo na nag-aaral. Para sa kanila naman ang ginagawa ng kapatid ko at mga kasamahan niya. Wala silang pinipili na turuan, mapa-Kristiyano man o Muslim.” Tears welled in her eyes as she made her earnest appeal. Jocelyn Inion, has been teaching in the Bancao-bancao Elementary School for the past 9 years.

Elmer Mandi, husband of kidnapped Noemi Mandi, pleaded for her wife’s early release because of her frail health. Noemi Mandi, only recently, undertook an operation for removal of a cyst in her ovary. Elmer Mandi said that she needs to take her medicines daily and she only brought along with her her medication good for one week. Mandi has taught in the Bancao-bancao Elementary School for the past 13 years.

Rodel Enriquez, husband of captive Jocelyn Enriquez, brought along their 3 sons the youngest of which is still need to nurse from her mother’s milk. He made the same appeal if only for the sake of their youngest child.

Meanwhile, Bancao-bancao Elementary School was rendered no classes after the kidnapping incident. It can be seen with children playing outside but with classrooms padlocked. Accordingly, the remaining teachers refused to report for work for fear of being kidnapped.

The Provincial Peace and Order Council of Zamboanga Sibugay in their statements made during a press conference held at the provincial capitol, said that they are instituting measures to protect teachers from being kidnapped. They elaborated that security will be provided to teachers assigned in critical areas.

PHILIP JAMES MONGAYA TREMEDAL
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