Troops told to secure 17 other Sayyaf kidnap victims

MANILA, Philippines - Defense Secretary Voltaire Gazmin on Thursday ordered military forces to work for the release of 17 persons who are reportedly being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf.

“Our aim is to be able to rescue the kidnap victims without jeopardizing their safety,” Gazmin told reporters yesterday.

Among the kidnap victims who are still with the Abu Sayyaf were bird watchers Elwold Horn from Holland and Lorenzo Vinceguerre of Switzerland, filmmakers Linda and Nadova Bansil and Japanese Toshio Ito.

Gazmin also welcomed the release of Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, who was held captive by the terrorist group for 18 months.

“This is good news for us. At least the number of people who are still with them (terrorists) has been reduced,” he said.

When asked whether ransom has been paid to secure Atyani’s release, Gazmin said: “That I will have to find out. As I’ve said, I have not read the report (about his release) yet.”

Gazmin added that the government would continue to adhere to a no-ransom policy. – Alexis Romero