ELECTION Commissioner Elias Yusoph wants President Benigno "Noynoy" Aquino III to place Lanao del Sur under military control to ensure the safe release of his abducted son, Nuraldin.
“The President should declare martial law in so far as the entire province is concerned because my son is being held hostage. If we continue to tolerate this, it will be a chaotic condition everyday," said Yusoph.
The victim was abducted last June 20 in Marawi City.
On Tuesday morning, one soldier was killed and five others were wounded when unidentified men ambushed the military who were pursuing the abductors.
Commissioner Yusoph said the government should pursue the case since the abductors have earlier asked the nullification of some votes in four municipalities in the province.
The emotional Comelec official appealed not only to the kidnappers for the safe release of his son but also to local government leaders for them to break their silence on the issue.
"I appeal to the kidnappers not to push me against the wall because if worse comes to worst I am even willing to sacrifice my life if only to stop this kind of barbaric activities," he added.
He noted that the military has already identified the culprits but failed to take action but filing cases against them.
The police earlier alleged that relatives of Yusoph may be behind the abduction.
Authorities have also said that the group behind the abduction has demanded P25 million from the Yusoph family. (Kathrina Alvarez/Sunnex)