Spate of kidnappings in Mindanao continues; midwife is latest victim

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Even as authorities are scrambling to solve the recent spate of kidnappings in Mindanao, a local midwife was abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan. Authorities said kidnappers have already phoned superiors of the victim, Elizar Gomera, who works as a midwife in Lamitan City. The 45-year old victim was reported missing Wednesday after she went to the village of Parangbasak to help deliver a baby. No group claimed responsibility for the latest kidnapping, but authorities suspect the Abu Sayyaf to be behind the abduction. Abu Sayyaf group is still holding a trader Eliseo Hablo and three government teachers Freires Quizon, Janette delos Reyes and Rafael Mayorada – all kidnapped in Zamboanga City and brought by boat to Basilan island. Those holding the teachers captive have demanded P6 million in exchange for the freedom of the hostages, but authorities said the government has a strict no-ransom policy and ruled out payments of ransom to the kidnappers. Also, military operations are underway in nearby Sulu province in a bid to free three International Committee of the Red Cross (ICRC) staff who were abducted last Jan. 15. - Al Jacinto, GMANews.TV