Wednesday, September 27, 2006 Lanao kidnap victims freed By Richel V. Umel Lanao Correspondent
BACOLOD, Lanao del Norte -- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) rescued three linemen of Lanao del Norte Electric Cooperative Inc. (Laneco) abducted by four armed men in Barangay Balintad, Munai this province last September 20.
The victims were on their way home from the hinterlands in preparation for an energization program when they were kidnapped.
They were reunited with their families, relatives, and co-workers after a five- day ordeal with kidnappers that brought them to jungle areas.
Rodiardo Abe-abe Sr., Bonifacio Kalibo, and Jinky Paglinawan told Sun.Star they ran for three and a half hours when the abductors learned that troops are chasing them down.
There were six of them onboard the vehicle when the abduction took place. Three were brought to the hinterlands, one escaped, and two others were spared from abduction.
Sadat Usman, one of those spared, is a Maranao while the other identified as Mario Retes claimed to be Sadat's relative.
Hindered
The victims said the most difficult time they ever had was on Sunday evening when the abductors argued and quarreled with each other.
Kalibo also related that the abductors told them to prepare tools in order to dig their own graves.
Earlier, the kidnappers allegedly demanded P300,000 as "board and lodging," a new version of ransom demand.
Other demands include the improvement of barangay roads and installation of electric service lights in remote areas.
There were two parties who volunteered to negotiate, but it only hindered the negotiation process and early release of the victims.
Lanao del Norte Governor Imelda Quibranza-Dimaporo who went to Barangay Panggao Friday was assured by some negotiators for the release of the victims Saturday noon. But, Dimaporo said she was disappointed since no release occurred.
Dimaporo then met two MILF officials in Panggao namely Kumander Topsider and Kumander Asnare.
The MILF committed to help in the rescue of the victims.
However, Dimaporo ordered the withdrawal of the troops of Philippine Marine Battalion Landing Team 3 led by Major Romy Dolojan and the Philippine National Police (PNP) when the commitment was not attained on Saturday.
Checkup
On Sunday sources said, Kumander Abdullah Makapaar alias Kumander Bravo issued a shoot to kill order for the kidnappers.
Munai Mayor Cassan Maquiling on Monday morning negotiated with the kidnappers through an emissary while the MILF surrounded the location of the kidnappers with their hostages.
At 4:30 p.m. the kidnappers finally released the victims in Tamparan in cooperation with the Philippine Marines, PNP, Lanao del Norte First District Representative Abdullah Dimaporo, Mayor Joselito Miquiabas of Bacolod, Mayor Rafael Rizalda of Maigo, and some barangay officials.
The PNP filed a case against the kidnappers led by Nabel Balowa Balabagan.
Major Larry dela Puerta of the Executive Office of the 6 MBLT said the Marines are more than willing to assist in serving the arrest warrant on Balabagan.
Laneco General Manager Engineer Resnol C. Torres and Maquiling agreed to pursue the energization project as preparations are in place.
Abe-abe and Kalibo reported to office in Tubod Tuesday with their officemates while Paglinawan was confined in the hospital for a checkup.
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