Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnap 3 in Basilan

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped three Catholics in Basilan province Sunday morning, the Catholic Bishops Conference of the Philippines (CBCP) said Sunday afternoon. A statement on the CBCP Web site (www.cbcpnews.com) said Isabela, Basilan Bishop Martin Jumoad said the abduction took place along the road between Lamitan and Tumahubong. "This is another problem for us here in Basilan," Jumoad said, adding his parish priest in Tumahubong called him up to report the kidnapping. Citing initial reports from his parish priest, he identified them as Ronnie Ando, Vilma Ayson and Wilma Suharludo and their children. "The kidnappers released the Yakan passengers while Catholic passengers were held against their will," he said. Meanwhile, Jumoad said he will meet with Church officials in the city to discuss a new threat from Abu Sayyaf. Jumoad said he had received a letter with threat similar to what other Catholics in the area received days ago. The letter purportedly came from some members of the Abu Sayyaf who said Basilan belongs to the Muslims who adhere to the provisions of the Quran. "The Quran provides that non-Muslims who stay in Muslim areas should convert or pay jizya or Islamic tax and failing to do so would mean armed struggle," the letter said. He said some residents have sent him text messages saying they are disoriented and can no longer sleep soundly at night. "I told them I can endure the pain of having no food for days than to spend sleepless nights thinking of the threats that I cannot take," the prelate said. Jumoad said he received the letter at 4 p.m. Friday and has scheduled to meet with his clergy and the religious in the prelature "so we can talk about this important matter." The letter writers gave non-Muslims three options, conversion to Islam, pay Islamic tax or prepare for armed struggle. The same letter said should non-Muslims opt to pay Islamic tax, non-Muslims would no longer be harmed. "Don't ever feel safe having soldiers around you because we have made our presence felt in Davao, General Santos, Zamboanga and Metro Manila," the group claimed. They gave Bishop Jumoad and other non-Muslims 15 days to comply with their demands. - GMANews.TV