Abu Sayyaf demands P130-M for Wilde Almeda, 12 preachers

MANILA, (ABS-CBN) - The Abu Sayyaf is demanding P130 million for the release of Jesus Miracle Crusade (JMC) evangelist Wilde Almeda and 12 of his followers.

ABS-CBN's The World Tonight said that a senior military intelligence official told a wires agency that one of the JMC preachers released last week was ordered to produce the ransom money.

The released preacher Danilo Cuarteros is now in Manila trying to raise the amount and is expected to return soon to the kidnappers' lair in Jolo, Sulu, the official added.

The latest development in the Sulu hostage crisis refutes Malacañang's claim that the evangelists are not considered hostages, even as they continue to be among 15 foreigners including three journalists and two Filipinos being held by the Abu Sayyaf in the Talipao hinterlands.

Citing the supposed assurance of Abu Sayyaf commander Galib Andang alias Commander Robot, the government's chief hostage crisis negotiator Robert Aventajado had insisted that Almeda and his followers were no longer hostages.

Andang had reportedly said that Almeda and his followers were staying of their own free will in the bandits' lair.

The religious crusaders ventured to the Abu Sayyaf lair in early July to "pray over" the hostages.

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