NPC seeks safe release of 2 filmmakers

MANILA, Philippines - The National Press Club of the Philippines (NPC) urged authorities yesterday to exert all efforts to secure the safe and quick release of two independent filmmakers abducted by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Patikul, Sulu last June 22.

“The safe and quick release of the victims should now be foremost in everybody’s mind,” NPC president Benny Antiporda said, referring to Nadjoua Bansil, 39, and her sister, Linda, 35.

Antiporda said the group committed a grave error in snatching the Bansils, noting the two are famous for making films that highlight the plight and condition of Muslims in Mindanao.

“The Abu Sayyaf can only gain further notoriety by what they did because they not only targeted their fellow Muslims but also took hostage the very persons working hard to highlight the struggle and condition of our brothers in Mindanao,” he said.

“The victims are also women who are supposed to be held in high regard by our Muslim brothers.”

The Bansils are close relatives (niece) of Ed Usman, Manila Bulletin reporter in Mindanao. They were taken hostage while filming the condition of poor and marginalized coffee farmers in Sulu, Usman told the NPC.