TIMELINE: Rodwell’s ordeal

MANILA, Philippines – Australian Warren Richard Rodwell, held in captivity by the Abu Sayyaf for 15 months, was finally released at past 1:00 am Saturday, March 23.

Much thinner and gaunt, Rodwell was supposed to have been released earlier, after supposed negotiations were completed on Thursday.

But a supposed squabble over reported ransom payments delayed his release.

Below is a timeline of Rodwell’s ordeal.

	December 5, 2011 – Warren Rodwell is abducted by “at least six armed men” in his home in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay. Authorities find blood stains on the floor of his home, indicating he was shot. They surmise Rodwell could have been whisked away to Basilan, the lair of the terrorist group, Abu Sayyaf.
	December 9, 2011 – Zamboanga Governor Romeo Jalosjos holds a meeting in his home to discuss “a very important matter.” Rappler sources say Jalosjos allegedly received a call from the kidnappers and the call is traced to Basilan. But the contact also sends SMS messages to Zamboanga Sibugay, giving the impression that Rodwell is still in Ipil. The kidnappers do not make any demands at this point.
	December 22, 2011 – The Philippine National Police releases to reporters a photo of Rodwell with the time stamp December 12, 2011. The photo is sent to Rodwell’s Filipina wife, Miraflor Gutang, via a local cargo company. The kidnappers demand P1 million as ransom.
	January 5, 2012 – Rappler reports that Rodwell’s kidnappers sent a video to his wife, Miraflor Gutang. The video contains Rodwell’s message, saying his captors are demanding a ransom of $2 million. Rodwell, who seems to be reading a prepared written statement, appeals to his family to do everything to raise the $2 million that his captors are asking for.
	January 11, 2012 – Western Mindanao Command says in a statement that the Abu Sayyaf attempted to move Rodwell from Basilan to Sulu on Jan 7, 2012. A certain Razmier Alih, an ASG leader based in Sumisip, Basilan accompanies Rodwell to Sulu to be turned over to Radulan Sahiron, known to be among the most notorious leaders of the ASG in the area. But Sahiron refuses after losing their lair at Sinumaam Complex in Patikul, Sulu.
	February 19, 2012 – Rodwell’s wife, Miraflor Gutang, whom he married in June 2011, is placed under monitoring by police authorities.
	May 7, 2012 – The Australian government confirms that the Philippine government has received another video of Rodwell. The video was shot on March 26, 2012. The Australian government expresses concern over Rodwell’s welfare.
	December 26, 2012 – Rappler reports that a video recorded on Dec 16, 2012 shows Rodwell holding a copy of the Philippine Daily Inquirer. He says he no longer has any hopes of being released and that he distrusts the Abu Sayyaf and even the Australian government.
	December 27, 2012 – A few hours after Rodwell’s video is uploaded on December 26, the Abu Sayyaf, using a version of its formal name “Al-Harakatul Islamia,” announces on a Facebook page bearing its name that Rodwell is in need of help. The page, in effect, seeks to crowdsource the $2 million-worth ransom the group is demanding.
	December 27, 2012 – On the same day, the Australian government welcomes the news that Rodwell is alive
	January 29, 2013 – The Abu Sayyaf posts a photo of Rodwell on Facebook. The photo comes with a message that Rodwell will be killed. This is the first photo of Rodwell since his December 2012 video posted on YouTube.
	March 21, 2013 – The Abu Sayyaf says negotiations to free Rodwell are over and that he will be released.
	March 23, 2013 – By about 1:30 am, Rodwell is released. The WMC gains custody of Rodwell and takes him to a hospital. -Rappler.com