MANILA -- The government is maintaining its no-ransom policy
despite reports claiming that the kidnappers of the two policewomen in Sulu are
willing to release the victims in exchange for a PHP5-million ransom, a
military official said Thursday.
In an interview, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, Brig. Gen. Cirilito
Sobejana, said that while they understand the families' concern for the safe
return of their loved ones, giving in to ransom demands will only convince
lawless elements that kidnapping is a lucrative criminal venture.
The money will allow the bandits to acquire new weapons and gain more
supporters, Sobejana said.
"Kami naman mananatili kami sa aming posisyon na no-ransom policy,
kasi nga the more we give ransom, the more na magkaroon ng kidnapping.
Kasi nagiging
lucrative venture ang kidnapping dito kung may magbabayad kaagad (We in the
military stand pat on our position on the no-ransom policy because if we give
ransom, more kidnapping incidents would occur. It will become a lucrative
venture when ransom is readily given)," he said.
He added that the military is doing everything to safely rescue the
kidnapped policewomen.
PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, along with two civilians,
Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, were on board a tricycle outside Camp
Bautista near the Jolo Airport when they were taken forcibly by armed men last
Sunday.
Alvarez is detailed with the PNP-Crime Laboratory. (PNA/By Priam Nepomuceno/Posted by Becky D. de Asis-The Redline News)
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