News Briefs

Dureza denies role in ransom for captive

Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza denied involvement in the release of a 66-year-old farmer from Abu Sayyaf captivity, which the kidnap victim said was made possible by the payment of ransom.

In a statement sent to Inquirer, Dureza said while he welcomed the release of farmer Jose Duterte, of Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, he had no role in negotiations for his release nor was aware of any ransom payment.

Dureza said Duterte was “released at a time when I even stopped touching base with some intermediaries when I was informed that they were demanding ransom payments.”

“Government usually spends to support operational expenses to recover hostages but does not pay ransom,” added Dureza.

But he added that the government “does not interfere with families who pay ransom to save the lives of their loved ones.” —Inquirer Mindanao

Philippine Red Cross opens dialysis center

The Philippine Red Cross (PRC) opened on Tuesday its first dialysis center in the country, inviting good Samaritans to sponsor treatment of indigent patients with chronic kidney diseases.

Through “Dialysis Samaritan Program,” the PRC offers dialysis treatment for P4,000 each.

Bigger donors could sponsor a year-long treatment for P624,000.

PRC’s dialysis center is in its former office in Port Area, Manila, with 10 machines donated by Tokushukai Medical Group. —Jovic Yee

DILG, too, backs martial law extension

Interior Secretary Eduardo Año joined a chorus of military and police officials supporting an extension of martial law in Mindanao.

“We saw there have been no abuses,” Año said. He said only criminals were afraid of martial law in Mindanao.

Philippine National Police Director General Oscar Albayalde had also backed the extension of martial law. —Jaymee Gamil