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Thursday, November 11, 2004
Tarongoy kin distressed by $10M ransom
By Ben Tesiorna and Aurea A. Gerundio
* Father doesn't expect any group to willingly raise such amount but remains hopeful that Bobby will be freed
* Media interviews adding to distress of Tarongoy family, Owwa 11 chief says; some questions causing deeper depression
THE family of kidnapped overseas Filipino worker (OFW) Robert Teodore "Bobby" Tarongoy is distressed over the huge ransom being demanded for his release and they do not expect such amount will ever be paid.
Tomas Tarongoy, Bobby's father, said they are not expecting the Philippine government or any other organization or individual to shell out $10 million (not $12 million as earlier reported) for his son's freedom.
Tomas is, however, still hopeful that his son would be released by the kidnappers with the help of the Muslim community all over the world.
He said the Muslim community here in Davao promised to help him make a letter of appeal addressed to Muslim communities especially in the Middle East to help ensure the safe release of Bobby from the hands of his Iraqi militia captors.
"Manawagan na lang kami sa mga Muslim brothers natin na sana tulungan kami na mapalaya si Bobby kahit na di kami makapagbayad sa ransom," Tomas said.
Several Dabawenyos earlier called the ransom demand of Tarongoy's kidnappers as "barbaric."
Many are one in saying that no ransom should be paid for Tarongoy's release.
Meanwhile, the Bagong Alyansang Makabayan-Southern Mindanao Region (Bayan-SMR) wants the Tarongoy family to be featured in regular press conferences, while the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration 11 (Owwa 11) would prefer to spare the kin from further distress like the barrage of media questions can do to a family not used to such attention.
"Amo lagi untang hangyuon ang pamilya nga magkaroon ng regular press conference para ma-update pud kung unsa na ba ang panghitabo sa negosasyon (We would want to ask the family to hold a regular press conference to update the people on the negotiations)," Bayan-SMR Secretary General Jeppie Ramada told reporters in a recent rally at the Department of Foreign Affairs 11 office along Jacinto Street.
Owwa 11 chief Zenobia Caro, however, believes the lesser interviews the family will be subjected to, the better it will be for them in the long run.
"Actually, mas gusto sana ng family na wala na munang interviews. Meron kasing mga tanong minsan ng media people na lalo lang nade-depress ang family," Caro said.
Despite the daily psycho-social sessions being given to the parents of Tarongoy, Caro said that the family have not yet fully accepted Bobby's fate.
"Hindi na sila as emotional as before pero hindi pa rin nila fully na-accept 'yung abduction kay Bobby," Caro said.
Joining Owwa in conducting the sessions are representatives from the Department of Social Welfare Development 11, Davao City Social Services and Development Office and the non-government organization People's Foundation.
(November 11, 2004 issue)
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