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Monday, May 23, 2005
Abducted trader's kin demand 'proof of life'
By Lino dela Cruz
Iligan correspondent
MARAWI CITY -- The family of the kidnapped Cagayan de Oro City trader is asking his abductors for "proof of life" before going into final negotiations and paying the ransom for his release.
Brigadier General Ben Dolorfino, Philippine Marines 2nd Brigade and Joint Task Force Ranao commander, said the kidnappers did not even call any of the family members so they could hear the voice of businessman Leonardo Agan. Dolorfino said Agan's family is reportedly willing to negotiate for his release but wants to make sure that he is really alive.
Agan, a fish trader, was kidnapped together with his wife Philadelphia in Bulua, Cagayan de Oro City last May 2. The wife was released hours later in Iligan City.
Kidnappers originally demanded P20 million but as negotiations progressed, the amount was reduced to P2 million and finally to P500,000.
Dolorfino believes the kidnappers and their victim are now somewhere in the boundary of Lanao del Sur and Lanao del Norte, particularly in Balo-i town.
"We are monitoring a barangay chairwoman who was reported to have brought food to the kidnappers and their victim in a safe house in her barangay," said Dolorfino. He did not identify the official or her barangay.
A team of Marine troopers and an armored personnel carrier is on standby near the barangay, Dolorfino said.
Earlier, Mayor Vicente Emano said he will keep his hands off the Agan kidnap case.
During his weekly radio program, Emano said he will step back and allow authorities to negotiate for Agan's release, adding there are already too many people acting as negotiators in the situation.
Emano previously said Agan might have been kidnapped because of unsettled debts.
The mayor also dismissed criticisms about conducting negotiations with kidnappers, saying while other countries like the US proclaim they don't deal with terrorists or hostage-takers, they quietly settle with them through other channels or intermediaries.
The city police also said they have received little information about the kidnapping. City Police Director Honorio Cervantes is even insisting that there was no ransom demand of P20 million from the hostage-takers.
(May 23, 2005 issue)
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