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Sunday, April 22, 2007
Families of 6 decapitated hostages get support
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY –- Sulu Governor Benjamin Loong extended financial assistance to six of the seven kidnap victims beheaded on Thursday by the al-Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf in the island province of Sulu.
The remains of the six decapitated construction workers were also shipped to Zambaonga City Saturday.
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Loong said the families of the six victims were given P100,000 each that would be used for the burial expenses and other purposes, here.
The six -- truck driver Roger Francisco, loader operator Dennis Delos Reyes, and laborers Wilmer Delos Santos, Loi Teodoro, Nonoy Ampoy and Toto Nillas -- were employed with the construction firm of Loong that is undertaking a road concreting project in the town of Parang, Sulu.
The victims were on board a truck driven by Francisco when a faction of the Abu Sayyaf led by Albader Parad seized them on Monday.
The remains of Francisco, Delos Reyes, Delos Santos, Ampoy, Teodoro were brought to Zamboanga City since all of them are residents of this city. Nillas' cadaver was turned over to his relatives in Parang.
Francisco, Delos Santos and Teodoro were all residents of Malagutay, Delos Reyes of Sangali and Ampoy of Cabatangan.
Loong also shouldered the expenses in bringing the remains to Zamboanga City from Jolo, Sulu, via commercial ferry.
It was learned from Loong that his construction firm's dump truck was burned down by the Abu Sayyafs.
The seventh hostage who was beheaded was fish-drier-laborer Crisanto Patrocenio. He was seized from a passenger jeep also in the town of Parang.
The seven workers were abducted last Sunday on a highway in Parang town. The abductors led by Abu Sayyaf leader Albader Parad later demanded P5 million in exchange for the freedom of their captives.
The abductors after failing to get their demand on Thursday, delivered the decapitated heads of all the seven captives to two detachments of the Army's 33rd Infantry Battalion in Parang town. The bodies were found Friday morning by government soldiers.
Meanwhile, Australia and the United States have warned of an impending major terrorist attack in Mindanao, where al-Qaeda-linked militants recently beheaded seven Christian hostages.
In an advisory to its citizens circulated late Friday, the United States embassy said the attack could take place anywhere on Mindanao.
“The embassy has information that a terrorist group may be planning to carry out bombing attacks in central Mindanao over the next several days,” the travel notice said.
It asked Americans to “carefully consider plans” to visit the area, keep a low profile and avoid going to public places, including a national sports festival scheduled in Koronadal city from April 22 to 28.
Australia also warned its citizens against travelling to Mindanao and the adjoining islands of Basilan, Jolo and Tawi-Tawi, where al-Qaeda-linked militants are operating.
“Recent credible information indicates terrorists may be in the advanced stage of attack planning,” it said.
“The attacks may be imminent and could occur at any time, anywhere in Mindanao.” It said there was a “very high threat” of terrorist attacks, including kidnappings.(With AP/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (April 22, 2007 issue)
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