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Friday, August 18, 2006
MILF warns kidnappers in Basilan to free hostage (10:45 a.m.)
By Al Jacinto
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) on Friday threatened to assault kidnappers, allied with the Abu Sayyaf group, if they fail to free a 19-year-girl held captive in the southern Philippine island of Basilan.
The kidnappers reportedly demanded P40 million in exchange for the safe release of Grace Gonzales who was kidnapped August 1 in Zamboanga City and brought to Basilan's Tuburan town.
The victim is the daughter of Dr Eldigario Gonzalez, president of the state-owned Western Mindanao State University.
"We warn the kidnappers to free the hostage without condition or else we will be force to use force to free the victim," Eid Kabalu, a rebel spokesman said.
Military reports tagged Nur Jamiri as the alleged leader of the kidnappers, whose group is tied to the Abu Sayyaf.
The MILF, which is currently negotiating peace with Manila, is working closely with the military through the ad-hoc joint action group to track down the kidnappers, he said. (Sunnex) |
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