Bansil sisters 'sold out' to kidnappers?

From ABS-CBN (Jun 28): Bansil sisters 'sold out' to kidnappers?

A former kidnap victim in Sulu believes that the two independent filmmakers abducted in Sulu were "sold out" by their contacts in the province to their captors.

Professor Octavio Dinampo said he is looking at four angles as reasons for sisters Linda and Nadjoua Bansil to visit Sulu.

First is that they are filming a documentary on the coffee growers in the province.
Second is to lend a hand in the peace negotiations, as their father is from Maguindanao.

Third is to facilitate the release of kidnapped Jordanian journalist Baker Atyani, and the last is to help the Tausug Citizens of Sulu, a group who has filed a petition before the United Nations for the independence of Sulu.

Dinampo said whatever is the real reason for the Bansils' presence in Sulu, the common denominator is that, "they have contacts in Sulu and that is the Tausug Citizens of Sulu."

Dinampo named a certain Isa Tahan as the leader of the Tausug Citizens of Sulu, who reportedly served as the host of the Bansil sisters.

Dinampo said it was Tahan who escorted the victims to Barangay Kabuntakas in Patikul, where they stayed the night on June 21.

The following day, as the filmmakers along with Tahan and 16 others were on their way back to Jolo town, they were flagged down by a group of armed men led by Nenok Sapari.

Dinampo believes the abduction was well planned.

"The group was there at a specific time and place and purpose. There are some members of the group that could have sold them out,” he said.

As a former kidnap victim himself, Dinampo said he knows what happened to the Bansil sisters.

"It is actually what happened also to Atyani, who walked into the trap," Dinampo said. "After trusting their contact too much.”

Dinampo is calling on the authorities in Sulu to probe the companions of the victims. As per latest information received by the university professor, the Bansils have reportedly been brought to Buhanginan in Patikul town.

Meanwhile, Dinampo said government troops should also be giving attention to the group of Sapari, or the so called “Lucky 9”, who is already making a name for themselves.

"They called themselves ‘lucky’ after the successful string of atrocities, kidnappings of traders, harassments," Dinampo said.

Sapari and his group’s members are related to former Abu Sayyaf Group leaders and members, who have either died or been arrested.

Police reports show that Sapari and his men are involved in the kidnapping of Engr. Carlos Tee, Reynato Yanga, employees of a construction company and workers of a sardines company, all of whom were brought to Patikul town.

Dinampo said although original groups of the Abu Sayyaf are still existing in Sulu, authorities should also be alert against the group of Sapari.

"They are drug addicts, they dare to go to the town proper," Dinampo said. "Only Allah knows what they are capable of doing to their captives."
http://www.abs-cbnnews.com/nation/regions/06/28/13/bansil-sisters-sold-out-kidnappers