October 6, 2008, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sayyaf leader dictating kidnap demands,

October 6, 2008, Philippine Daily Inquirer, Sayyaf leader dictating kidnap demands,

ZAMBOANGA CITY?A Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf leader has been dictating the terms and conditions for the release of two humanitarian workers kidnapped in Basilan province.

Basilan Vice Gov. Al Rasheed Sakalahul, head of the Provincial Crisis Management Committee, told the Inquirer over the phone that a certain "Amir" of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu has been giving "impossible" demands.

"This Amir is the one asking for P1 million and that I should bring the money to Jolo," Sakalahul said.

But the P1 million, Sakalahul said, was only an "entrance fee so they (kidnappers) could release the demand letter and a video footage as proof of life."

Merlie "Milet" Mendoza, a humanitarian aid worker and expert in rehabilitation of war-torn communities, and Esperancita "Espie" Hupida, a program coordinator of Nagdilaab Foundation Inc., were kidnapped on Sept. 15 in Barangay Kabangalan in Tipo-tipo town in Basilan.

The victims' families have not received word from the victims and their kidnappers since the abduction.

Nestor Hupida, Espie's husband, told the Philippine Daily Inquirer that he still had not received any proof of life or demand from the kidnappers.

He said it was hard for him to explain to their three children why their mother was still in captivity.

"It is as if I am doing nothing. I keep on telling them to always pray that their Mama will be released soon and safe," Nestor said.

Yesterday morning, Sakalahul said he received a telephone call from a certain Amir, who claimed to be based in Sulu.

"I was even threatened by this Amir that he knows my families, relatives, my place and that they are always watching me. But I didn't yield to his condition," Sakalahul said.

He said the kidnappers assured him that all the victims were in good health.

"(Amir said) all of them (victims) are fine," he said.

Mohagher Iqbal, chief negotiator of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, again directed rebel forces in Basilan to ensure the safe recovery of the two victims.

"That is our standing order and we are confident our forces are doing their best to secure them as soon as possible," Iqbal said in a phone interview.

Col. Rustico Guerrero, 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said that the Front's help has been a welcome move.

"We support the help and assistance of the MILF," he said. Julie S. Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao