Negotiation for release of captive coast guards ongoing

From the Sun Star-Davao (Aug 14): Negotiation for release of captive coast guards ongoing

DAVAO City Mayor Rodrigo Duterte said that he tried to negotiate for the safe release of the coast guard personnel who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

"Usa ko sa nangayo ug pabor sa Abu Sayyaf kay ang ginikanan sa coast guard nangayog tabang, so nagpadala ko ug estorya didto na mahimo dili lang patyon ba, wala la'y patay unsa lang maabot sa pamilya na ihatag pero naa pud ko'y laing negotiation na ana (I was among those who sent word to the Abu Sayyaf because the parents of one of the coast guard personnel held captive asked my help. I sent word to not kill anyone and that the captives be returned safe)," Duterte said after his opening speech at the Kadayawan commercial basketball tournament.

He added that he tried to communicate with them but to no avail.

"Nihangyo pero wala man ko nakadawat ug tubag (I sent word, but got no word in reply)," Duterte said.

He also told reporters that there must be a good reason why the Abu Sayyaf did not kill the others. If the hostages are still alive, he said, he will send word again through some Tausugs now living in Davao.

Even as the Philippine Coast Guard itself has said it will not negotiate, Duterte said he will not stop sending word.

The two remaining captives were earlier identified as Seaman Second Class Gringo Villaruz, 28, who hails from Governor Generoso in Davao Oriental, a graduate of University of Mindanao, and First Class Rod Pagaling. Both were assigned in Dapitan.

It was learned that Villaluz's aunt, Heidylizza Timbancaya, was the one who sought the help of Duterte, who in turn sought the help of contacts from the Moro National Liberation Front in Sulu.

But Timbancaya said the MNLF negotiators told them they are having difficulty ensuring the release of Villaluz without ransom.

http://www.sunstar.com.ph/davao/local-news/2015/08/14/negotiation-release-captive-coast-guards-ongoing-424638