THE Philippine military on Thursday advised the relatives, friends and even the employer of the four abducted personnel of a plywood plant in Basilan not to give in to the demand of ransom of the kidnappers because it would only complicate the situation.
Armed Forces Public Affairs Office chief Romeo Brawner issued the appeal after unconfirmed reports came out regarding the P10-million demand of the Abu Sayyaf bandits that kidnapped the four victims Michael Tan, Oscar Tan, Jerry Tan and Mark Singson of the Hi-Tech Woodcraft in Townsite village in Maluso town on November 10 .

“We are appealing to the families of the kidnap victims as well as the company itself and perhaps the friends of the victims not to pay any ransom because this will again encourage the kidnapers to keep on doing it,” Brawner said.

The Police on Tuesday filed criminal charges against Abu Sayyaf Commander Furuji Indama and at least 27 of his men for their alleged involvement in the abduction.

Also charged with kidnapping with serious illegal detention before the Basilan Prosecutor’s Office were Mujahid Nasirin, Amilhusin Insoh, Daniel Musa, Omar Musa, Moton Indama, Hud Limaya, Adam Mingkong, Muktar Abon, Ismael Sakkam and Nasser Butug.

Brawner said the military troops in the area have not received any direct information regarding the supposed ransom demand besides the statement that reportedly came from one of the victims asking P10-million ransom.

The military has deployed at least 1,000 soldiers tasked to secure the area and prevent the suspects from escaping to other nearby towns.

“The current operation is different from Father Michael Sinnott, because our troops at present are conducting combat and rescue,” Brawner explained.

Jefferson Antiporda