Boy, 12, wants abducted mother back

Boy, 12, wants abducted mother back

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2 MIN READ

A 12-year-old boy has expressed the hope that his mother who was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf militant group last year will be freed soon to attend his graduation next month.

"It's the only gift I am wishing for," said Jeizel Montulo, 12, adding that his mother, Cleofe Montulo, will be proud of him because he has passed the entrance test at Pilar College and the prestigious Ateneo de Zamboanga University.

Before the kidnapping of his mother, the young Montulo was expected to graduate among the top of his class at Pasonanca Elementary School.

But he began doing badly after the Abu Sayyaf militants abducted his mother, her sister-in-law, Florida, and friends, Nori Bendijo and Emily Mantic, in Patikul, Sulu, on August 20.

They were selling herbal medicines and beauty products and were identified by the military as preachers of the non-Catholic Church of Christ.

"I want to finish my studies to help my family," said the young Montulo, adding that he has learned to be independent, to look forward, and help plan for his family at a young age. His younger brother, Neil, has to continue studying for a better future, he said.

His father Benjamin has been suffering from advanced pancreatitis, a complication brought about by stones in his gall bladder. Right now, the young Montulos are working students.

They sell bottled water at the wharf so that their family has money for food and other necessities. "We come home very late. But this has not stopped us from our dreams of finishing our studies," they said.

At the back of their mind is the fate of their mother. The Abu Sayyaf group has asked for ransom for her freedom. "We're so poor. We don't have money to buy food," said Benjamin.

"My children have been praying and crying for their mother," he added. The Abu Sayyaf has allowed his wife to call up her family members.

"A certain Kumander Jimmy has also called me up three times since December. But up to now, they have not told me what amount they want for the freedom of my wife," explained Benjamin.

An unnamed negotiator has also allowed the three other kidnapped victims to call up their respective family members.

"We have been exchanging notes. But we cannot do anything," Benjamin said. "Up to now, the fate of the four women remains unclear. Our only hope is for the government to help bring back the kidnapped victims to their respective families."

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