PNP links 3 more relatives of Isnaji to Drilon kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippine National Police (PNP) on Friday linked at least three relatives of Indanan, Sulu Mayor Alvarez Isnaji to the June 8 abduction of a television news crew and a university professor. PNP chief Director General Avelino Razon Jr said this was among the findings of its intelligence operatives who went undercover during negotiations for the hostages' release. "Three of the suspects are relatives of the mayor, di natin alam sino yan (At least three of the suspects are relatives of the mayor but we have not identified them by name)," Razon said at a press conference. Also, Razon said they are still looking into a supposed second payoff involving duffel bags flown into Sulu via a SEAir flight hours before the hostages were released. PNP officials presented to media an intelligence photograph showing the mayor counting the money from a "first" ransom payment from the family of news anchor Cecilia Drilon. The photo showed Isnaji counting the P5 million. Also in the photo was Sulu Vice Governor Lady Ann Sahidullah, but Razon said there was no proof Sahidullah was involved. Razon said their intelligence information indicated Isnaji sent only P2 million to the kidnappers and kept the 60 percent for himself. On the other hand, he said it is possible Sahidullah may be tapped as a witness to bolster the case against Isnaji. "She was there and she could testify, be a witness to what happened." "It is not the only evidence the CIDG (Criminal Investigation and Detection Group) is holding on to," he added. Razon said the photos were made possible through Senior Superintendent Winnie Quidato of the PNP Intelligence Group, who infiltrated the negotiating team. He said Quidato passed himself off as a "civilian" negotiator of the Interior department. Razon said they initially received information the leader of the kidnappers was a certain Laring-Laring, which turned out to be an alias of the mayor. - GMANews.TV