By FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD
The commander of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Joint Task Force Sulu said they are verifying reports ransom has already been demanded for the safe release of two female cops as with two civilians supposedly abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Patikul on Sunday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said they have received information the terrorist group have allegedly asked P150,000 each for the two male civilian hostages identified as Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Hidji.
They are yet to confirm reports the terrorists are demanding P5 million for both cops identified as PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad.
“’Yung P5 million wala pa akong natanggap na balita na may nag demand na ng ganun. So far ‘yung nag float lang dito iyung P300,000 para dun sa dalawang lalaki,” Sobejana said.
Sobejana assured they are doing everything to locate and rescue the victims.
He noted how, in the course of searching for the kidnap victims, they encountered just the other day several armed suspected believed to be ASG members in Brgy. Liang.
At least one terrorist died in the incident, which also resulted in the wounding of three soldiers.
