From the Philippine News Agency (Mar 24): Palace maintains 'no ransom' policy for
victims of kidnapping
Malacanang maintained on Sunday that the government’s policy of not paying any
ransom for victims of kidnapping remains in effect and “has not changed.”
Deputy Presidential Spokesperson Abigail Valte issued this statement in light
of reports that the government paid P 7-million for the release of Australian
Warren Richard Rodwell, after being held captive by the Abu Sayaf bandits for
the last 15 months.
She said that while the government is looking into the circumstances in the
release of Rodwell, these reports of ransom being paid remain just allegations.
“The policy of the government remains that we do not pay ransom. Having said
that, we have no information or confirmation on that alleged ransom that was
paid,” Valte said.
“The policy of the government has not changed,” she added.
Rodwell, 54, was released in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur province, on
Saturday.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=510170
Statement for public consumption. Everyone knows that in dealing with the Abu Sayyaf "if you pay, you can go." Payment of "board and lodging fees," a euphemism for ransom, is the norm.
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