Rodwell ‘delighted to be free’ – family

MANILA, Philippines – Two days after Warren Rodwell was released 15 months by the Abu Sayyaf, the Australian is “delighted to be free,” his family said on Monday, March 25.

“He is delighted to be free. He has, however, lost a lot of weight and is exhausted. He will need medical support, as well as time and space to recover,” explained Rodwell’s older brother Wayne, who read out to the media a brief statement alongside his sister Denise Cappello.

Cappello thanked the Philippine and Australian authorities for helping secure her brother’s release, in particular the Philippine National Police and Basilan Vice Gov Al-Rasheed Sakkalahul, one of the negotiators who on Sunday said that a ransom of P4 million (US$97,750) was paid to secure Rodwell’s release.

However the Philippine and Australian governments have refused to confirm if any ransom was paid. (Read: The Inside Story: Ransom and Rodwell)

“Without his [Sakkalahul’s] help, Warren would not be free from captivity,” she said.

As for the kidnappers, Rodwell’s sister said she hopes they are brought to justice “so others won’t have to experience what Warren has just been through.”

“We wish the Philippine police every success in tracking down the group that took Warren from his home,” she added.

Difficult, exhausting ordeal

Armed men posing as police abducted 54-year-old Rodwell from his home in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay in December 2011, and initially demanded $2 million for his safe release.

The Abu Sayyaf freed a deeply emaciated Rodwell on Saturday, and he has since remained at a Philippine military base where he is receiving medical care.

Authorities say the Abu Sayyaf, based in Sulu and Basilan and designated by the US government as a terrorist organization, was responsible for the kidnapping.

The Abu Sayyaf has a long history of kidnapping foreigners, as well as local businessmen, in efforts to extort ransoms.

They are believed to be holding at least 3 other foreigners. (Read: The men Rodwell leaves behind with the Abu Sayyaf)

Wayne Rodwell said that this has been “a very difficult and exhausting ordeal” for his brother as well as for the family.

He asked the media both in the Philippines and Australia to respect the family’s wish for privacy.

“Our immediate concern is for our brother’s health, and his recuperation after this long period in captivity,” said Wayne Rodwell.

Warren Rodwell is scheduled to arrive in Manila on Monday afternoon after receiving medical attention and being debriefed in Zamboanga. – with reports from Agence France-Presse/Rappler.com