Social media and ransom

The Abu Sayyaf has turned to social media for ransom. This is evident in the video it took of its kidnap victim, Australian Warren Rodwell, which is seen on YouTube and shared on Facebook. Authorities are now investigating a mobile number that appears on the YouTube account. Intelligence sources told Rappler they are certain the YouTube account belongs to the Abu Sayyaf because of past activity – it was created May 11, 2010 with video seen more than 25,000 times – and because of the accounts it connects and the network it has created. The owner of the mobile number is prepared to bargain, according to a source in touch with him. He said the asking price is US$2 million, but if half of that is delivered, the kidnappers are willing to hand Rodwell over to anyone, including a middleman who is then free to demand the full amount.

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