Duterte to ask Misuari’s help to rescue cops

MANILA, Philippines — President Duterte will ask Moro National Liberation Front chairman Nur Misuari to help government troopers rescue two policewomen and two civilians kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

“I think I have to talk to Misuari personally,” Duterte said in a pep talk with soldiers at Camp Lapu-Lapu in Cebu on Tuesday.

“Yung mga babae, wag niyo isali yan (Do not include women),” he said.

A man who claimed to be a commander of the Abu Sayyaf contacted the families of Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad and demanded ransom, according to Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran of the Zamboanga peninsula police.

Beltran said the relatives of the policewomen did not say how much the bandits asked.

“We were able to secure proof of life. They are alive. They are Ok and are not being harmed by their captors,” he said.

Beltran said Alvarez, who is with the engineering services of the regional police and Gumahad, who is based in Midsalip town, were in Sulu for personal reasons. They were in a tricycle with villagers Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji when they were taken in Barangay Liang, Patikul.

Beltran said he would meet with Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, and local officials to coordinate their rescue operations.  

“Negotiations are ongoing, but we cannot give details as the case is being handled by the Anti-Kidnapping Group,” he said.

Abu bandit falls

Meanwhile, an Abu Sayyaf bandit wanted for kidnapping was arrested in this city on Tuesday.

Abdurasad Adjail, 55, with aliases of Sahibul, Sailani and Salip Utoh, was in a van with a certain Evelyn Domingo, 60, when intercepted in Barangay Culianan.  

Police said Adjail, who tried to escape, was collared after a brief chase. 

A belt bag containing bomb materials was recovered from the suspect. 

Beltran said Adjail has a standing warrant for kidnapping Golden Harvest Plantation workers in Barangay Tairan, Lantawan, Basilan on June 11, 2001. – Christina Mendez