Kidnappers free 2 Iligan teachers

MARAWI CITY—Two elementary school teachers were freed by their kidnappers in Kapai town in Lanao del Sur on Sunday night, six days after they were taken from Iligan City.

“They did not hurt us,” said Keno Sanchez, 24.

The presence of some 300 soldiers and policemen might have prompted the release of Sanchez and Rene Sumagang, 27, both teachers of Limonsodan Bayug Falls Elementary School in Barangay Rogongon in Iligan, at around 7 p.m., Col. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, told the Inquirer.

The kidnappers led by Mangagao Elias, alias Kumander Ayatollah, had earlier demanded a P4-million ransom and later reduced the amount to P2 million. No money was paid, however, Lucero said.

Former Kapai Mayor Cosain Kapal and Mayor Misangkad Kapal negotiated with the kidnappers. Lucero said the military gave in to Elias’ demand for a withdrawal of troops during the release.

The kidnappers also made another request—for the government to repair the road network in Barangay Malna in Kapai so that their agricultural products would reach the market on time.

Despite the release of the teachers, Lucero said charges would be filed against the kidnappers.

Sumagang said he was driving his motorcycle, with Sanchez as passenger, when they were flagged down by the kidnappers on March 19. Their three companions, who were on separate motorcycles, escaped.

“Some of the pupils even tried to convince the kidnappers not to bring them with us,” Sumagang said.

Sanchez said he and Sumagang walked for several hours before reaching a hut on a hill, where they stayed during their six-day captivity.

The teachers said their captors did not explain to them why they were taken.

Earlier, the military said members of Elias’ gang were known illegal loggers who resorted to kidnapping to raise money to survive.

Sumagang and Sanchez said that if the City Schools Division Office decided to send them back to their places of assignment, they would follow for the sake of the school children.

“This is our job—to serve and educate them,” Sumagang said.