Abu Sayyaf demands P5-M for 2 lady cops

- Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde confirmed on Wednesday, May 2, that suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) had demanded P5 million in exchange for the freedom of the two female police officers they abducted.

"We asked (for) help from the local chief executives doon at ang hinihingi initially na (they demanded) ransom is (of) P5 million for both (police officers)," he said.

Albayalde said the abductors sent proof of life on Wednesday morning, but did not set any deadline for the payment.

Albayalde said, however, that the PNP will not give in to such demand.

"Hindu naman tayo naggi-give in sa ganyang demands (We do not give in to such demands). That is a terror activity so we do not give in to these kinds of demands ng mga terrorists," he said.

He said negotiations and operations will continue for the rescue of the two policewomen as well as their two other companions.

Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad of the engineering and community training services, respectively, of the Zamboanga City police were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf on Sunday, April 29. Their companions Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji were also abducted.

They were onboard a tricycle around 12:40 p.m. on Sunday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu when they were taken.