|
Saturday, November 08, 2008
Kidnap victims' kin seek Arroyo's help
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The families of three people snatched by alleged Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan province recently called on President Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo to put an end to the kidnapping cycle in Mindanao.
Along with other sectors, the kidnap victims' families are one in saying that "this (kidnapping) is a matter of national security, an act of terrorism, and we should work together to end the cycle of kidnapping."
What's your take on the Mindanao crisis? Discuss views with other readers
The families that bonded together are those of kidnap victims Merlie Mendoza, a Manila-based non-government organization (NGO) professional, Zamboangueña nurse Preciosa Feliciano, and Ateneo de Zamboanga University (ADZU) nursing student Joed Pilanga.
Mendoza was kidnapped last September 15 together with Nagdilaab Foundation Inc. (NFI) program director Esperancita Hupida in the village of Cabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan, Basilan. Feliciano and Pilanga were snatched last July 7 and October 17, respectively, in Zamboanga City.
The kidnappers freed Hupida in the morning of October 30 after the payment of ransom. NFI refused to reveal how much it paid but said it gave Hupida's captors a "reasonable amount."
In a press conference Friday, Fr. Raymond Villeza of ADZU said the three families bonded together to instill awareness and call on local and national officials to intervene.
"These victims are from voiceless families. They don't have money, they are from simple families and just happen to be victims of kidnappings," Villeza said.
"We appeal to Your Excellency's urgent intervention, not only for the immediate release of the remaining captives, but to direct and provide all forms of necessary support and assistance to the Philippine National Police (PNP), Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), local government units (LGUs), legal system, and members of civil society involved in trying to come up with short and long-term solutions to this social menace," the families of the kidnap victims said in their manifesto to President Arroyo.
They said in the manifesto that the victims are not big names in Philippine society, "but they are in the eyes of their families, relatives, friends, and supporters."
As long as there is no resolution to these and other cases, kidnapping in Mindanao will be business as usual, the families said.
"Ransom is not the option. We have to break the cycle of kidnapping," Mirali, Mendoza's twin sister, said.
The group said records showed that the total number of known kidnapped victims from January to date has gone up to 33, 29 of which were released.
The group added that the estimated total ransom paid to the kidnappers only for this year ballooned to P49,190,000.
"We are deeply concerned and alarmed because the situation is getting worse with the passage of time and there is no end in sight. Clearly these are not just isolated cases. The whole operation is systematic, purposive, and organized," the group said in its manifesto.
Mirali said the kidnappers are asking for $1.5 million.
Feliciano's brother, Ben Fernando, revealed they have already given P1.5 million, an armalite, and a motorcycle to the kidnappers, but they still refused to release the nurse.
"They (kidnappers) told us that it is still lacking and what we have given will be deducted from the P5 million they are asking," he revealed.
"It appears now that we are the ones who owe them money," he added, while trying to control his emotions.
Kara, a sister-in-law of Feliciano, said while trying to hold back her tears that they have no choice but to do everything possible to secure the release of their relative.
Pilanga's mother Edna, whose husband is jobless, said the kidnappers are asking them money they can't afford in exchange for the release of their son.
Aside from the families, the other signatories of the manifesto addressed to President Arroyo include religious leaders in different parts of Mindanao, as well as representatives of NGOs and the business sector. (Bong Garcia/Sunnex)
For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star General Santos. (November 8, 2008 issue)
Write letter to the editor. Click here. |
|
|
|
[return to top]
[home]
|
|
De Castro tops presidential survey