THE Police Regional Office (PRO)-Zamboanga Peninsula has secured proof of life of the two policewomen seized by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu province.
This was disclosed by Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula director, citing there are ongoing negotiations for the release of the two policewomen.
Beltran also said that the ASG has demanded ransom but could not say the exact amount since the case is now being handled by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) in coordination with the victims’ relatives.
The two policewomen, Police Officer 3 Benierose Alvarez and Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad, were seized by the Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Mujir Yada on Sunday, April 29, in Liang village, Patikul.
They were seized together with two others, namely Jakosalem Blas and Faizal Ahidji.
Chief Inspector Helen Galvez, PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula information officer, said Alvarez and Gumahad were on vacation in Sulu.
She said they came from Quezon Beach, one of the famous picnic grounds in Sulu, when the ASG waylaid and seized them.
Alvarez is assigned with the Engineer Service Division under the Regional Logistics Office of PRO-Zamboanga Peninsula while Gumahad is undergoing a 45-day Criminal Investigation Course at the Regional Special Training Unit-9.
Alvarez is from Isabela City, Basilan while Gumahad is assigned in the town of Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur. (SunStar Philippines)