Comelec exec Yusoph wants martial law in Lanao Sur for son’s rescue

Finally breaking his silence, Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph on Tuesday appealed to President Benigno Aquino III to hasten efforts to rescue his abducted son by declaring martial law over the province of Lanao del Sur. Yusoph said in a television interview that placing the province under military rule for 15 to 30 days can help in efforts to save his 22-year-old son, Nuralden, who was abducted last month while praying inside a mosque in Marawi City in Lanao del Sur. (See: Poll official's son abducted by men seeking to nullify votes) “It (the declaration of martial law) will be a deterrent to other lawless elements," he said in an interview aired over GMA News’ “24 Oras." The young Yusoph’s kidnappers, who have remained unnamed so far, are allegedly demanding that the results of the June 3 special elections in some towns of Lanao del Sur be nullified. The visibly distraught election official also expressed dissatisfaction over the military’s “inaction" regarding his son’s abduction, and threatened to "take the law in his own hands" if the government fails to resolve the case. “The military knows who these culprits are, and until now, they have not done anything about it…," Yusoph told reporters, adding that he had been patient for “almost one month." "It’s too painful but I still have to control my temper. I did not go home because of some pressure from relatives...," the Comelec official explained. Yusoph said he has prevented his relatives from taking the law into their own hands, adding that the case has been emotionally draining for the whole clan. “I just want to make it clear that the government should do something," he added. “(But) if the government cannot do anything, it's our culture. It can be a vendetta," he said, warning his son’s kidnappers “not to push him" and his clan into retaliating against the unnamed people behind the kidnapping. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded that the votes cast and counted in last month’s special elections be nullified in four towns of the province — Malabang, Picong, Taraka, and Masiu — as a condition for the young Yusoph’s release. A government-formed crisis management team has been negotiating Nuralden’s release since late last month. The team insists that it is following a “no-ransom" policy in solving the incident. (See: Dureza: Talks ongoing for Yusoph son’s release) The Comelec has also earlier said that it is not open to negotiations with the kidnappers, and that the poll body will not give in to any of their requests. A soldier was killed while five others were injured after suspected kidnappers ambushed a military convoy that was conducting a search and rescue operation for the young Yusoph in Poona Bayabao town. (See: 1 soldier killed, 5 others hurt in Lanao Sur attack) Nuraldin has a three-month-old son.—Andreo C. Calonzo/JV/RJAB Jr., GMANews.TV