Abu Sayyaf seek P1M ransom for Basilan linemen

Marine and police operatives have temporarily suspended rescue operations for the four employees of the Basilan Electric Cooperative (Baselco) who were kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits pending negotiations for their release, a ranking military official said Monday.

“Negotiations are being conducted by the (Basilan) vice governor (Al-Rasheed Sakalalul) and Baselco,” said Major General Ben Dolorfino, Marine commandant.

The kidnappers have demanded P1 million for the victims’ freedom, according to Baselco manager Alfredo Oyao.

He said the kidnappers threatened to kill the four linemen who were abducted on June 26 if the cooperative failed to come up with the money.

“But we cannot give anything. Our cooperative is bankrupt. Their captives are very poor,” Oyao said. (Nikko Dizon in Manila and Julie S. Alipala in Mindanao; INQ.net)