Photo shows retired Australian soldier Warren Rodwell while in the hands of the dreaded Abu Sayyaf. (Photo by Al Jacinto)
PAGADIAN CITY-The Abu Sayyaf Group has finally released retired Australian soldier Warren Rodwell in Pagadian City at around 1:30am today (March 23, 2013).
He was found by government authorities in the port area here after being abandoned by his captors. The Abu Sayyaf had kept him captive since December 5, 2011 when he was snatched in his home by heavily armed men posing as police officers.
He was found by government authorities in the port area here after being abandoned by his captors. The Abu Sayyaf had kept him captive since December 5, 2011 when he was snatched in his home by heavily armed men posing as police officers.
The Army's 1st Infantry Division Chief, Major General Ricardo Rainier Cruz, said that Rodwell will be flown by a military chopper to the headquarters of the Western Mindanao Command in Zamboanga City for medical check-up.
Basilan Vice Governor Al-Rashid Akalahul was instrumental for the safe release of Rodwell. He personally met up with the Abu Sayyaf members in Tipo-tipo town early evening on March 21 to negotiate for Rodwell's release.
It could not be ascertained if ransom money was involved in the negotiations.
The bandit group who is responsible for the series of kidnapping in Zamboanga peninsula and nearby islands, normally charge the kidnap victim 'board and lodging' fees amounting to millions of pesos.
A small group of notorious kidnappers has remained scot-free but the government forces are continuously pursuing them.
A small group of notorious kidnappers has remained scot-free but the government forces are continuously pursuing them.
Several of the kidnap-for-ransom personalities were either killed or captured in previous military operations, including Abu Sabaya, Khadaffy Janjalani, Dr. Abu Jumdail and Bakal Hapilon.
Luckily he,s safe...
ReplyDeleteThe one's who have gained out of the Warren Rodwell kidnapping crime are the terrorists and the local Filipina wife, who tried to trash the husband's reputation right from the get go. Strange that she kept using her maiden name after marriage. Why didn't she sell his house and the water filling station as she claimed, (but was quickly exposed to be untrue) to raise ransom money?
ReplyDelete