Abu Sayyaf allegedly demands ransom for release of Chinese-Filipino businessman

Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group are allegedly demanding a 5 million pesos (116,279 U.S. dollars) ransom for the release of a Chinese-Filipino businessman they kidnapped in Jolo town in the southern island province of Sulu Friday afternoon, police said Sunday.

Citing sketchy reports, Philippine National Police Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao chief Director Felicisimo Khu said the demand was coursed through the family of Nelson Lim, 56, owner of the Times Hardware and Plaza Panceteria in Jolo.

"Unconfirmed report says that a ransom demand of 5 million pesos (116,279 U.S. dollars) has been made by the kidnappers to the family," Khu said without elaborating.

Lim was on his way home when the suspects intercepted him in Bus-bus village. The military's Western Mindanao Command said the kidnapping was perpetrated by the Abu Sayyaf group.

Based on information gathered, Khu said the victim and his captors, numbering about 12 men, were reported to be in Patikul town around 9 p.m. Friday, or more than three hours after the kidnapping.

The Abu Sayyaf, active in southern Philippines, was founded in the 1990s and has perpetrated a number of high-profile attacks, including kidnappings, bombings and beheadings. The Philippine military estimates the Abu Sayyaf, which has links with external terrorist organizations such as al-Qaida, currently has about 400 members.

The group is still holding three fishing workers, who were abducted off Sulu on March 19.

Source: Xinhua