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Robredo: Hunt on for Agusan hostage-takers; no ransom paid


Now that at least 12 hostages held captive in Agusan del Sur since April 1 have been released, authorities have launched a manhunt for the hostage-takers. Interior Secretary Jesse Robredo disclosed this on Wednesday as he stated that no ransom was paid for the hostages' freedom. "Hindi ito humihingi ng ransom at hindi humihingi ng board and lodging (The hostage-takers never asked for ransom or for board and lodging)," Robredo said in an interview on dzBB radio. Citing initial reports, Robredo said the hostages were released at about 6:00 a.m. on Wednesday, and were expected to reach the provincial capitol after 9:00 a.m. Now that the hostages have been released, Robredo said authorities will now focus on running after the hostage-takers. "Ang report sa akin tutugisin yan (pero) ang importante asikasuhin ang hostages. Ang pagtugis can be done immediately after (Reports reaching me said the hostage-takers will be hunted down but our priority now is the safety of the hostages)," he said. On April 1, armed men abducted at least 15 people in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur, and demanded the release of a former militiaman, Ondo Perez. On April 3, two hostages were freed to get food for the other victims. A third victim, a male teenager, was released on April 4. Hostage-takers The police identified the five alleged hostage takers as:

  • Rejoy Brital, leader of the group;
  • Alejandro Navarro Brital;
  • Ken-Ken Perez;
  • Rolando Perez, and
  • Allan Perez. Ken-Ken is the nephew of Ondo Perez, who is facing charges for a hostage-taking incident in 2009. The hostage-takers of the 15 people were said to be armed with M16 and M14 rifles, caliber-.45 pistol, a 30-caliber carbine rifle, and a shotgun, the police said. Hostage negotiations Robredo admitted the government gave Ondo Perez a subtle show of force while "negotiating" with him. In a meeting, Governor Adolph Plaza assured Ondo Perez and his brother Carlos that they would be treated fairly, Robredo said. Robredo said Perez had complained he was treated unfairly because authorities did not act on the cases against his enemies. "The governor said they will be treated fairly. Pero he also told him hanggang dito na lang (The governor told them they will be treated fairly but said there are limits)," Robredo said. During the meeting, the local police indicated to Perez that they have the capability to rescue the hostages, Robredo added. "Habang nagne-negotiate, ang tropa nagparamdam (We gave hints our forces were moving, while the negotiations are ongoing)," Robredo said. Robredo pointed out even Philippine National Police chief Director General Raul Bacalzo was in the province to monitor police movements. "Gusto (nating) pagusapan pero kung di madaan sa paguusap kailangan gamitin ang kailangan gamitin (We want to talk this over but if we cannot solve the problem through negotiations we will have to do what we have to do)," Robredo said. — VVP, GMA News
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