Lanao Council of Elders tapped to negotiate release of Yusoph's son

Islamic City of Marawi (23 June) -- The Crisis Management Committee will tap the Council of Elders in Lanao del Sur to do the negotiations for the safe release of Nuraldin Yusoph.
Nuraldin Yusoph, son of Commissioner Elias Yusoph, was abducted by unidentified men last Sunday night after he walked out of a mosque near their house this city.
The abductors allegedly demanded the nullification of votes in the towns of Taraka, Masiu, Picong and Malabang in exchange for the Commissioner son's freedom.
Police Provincial Director Senior Superintendent Paniares Adap, spokesperson of the crisis management committee, said they already have leads on the perpetrators but refrained from divulging the details in order not to compromise the negotiations.
The Council of Elders will report to the chairman of the committee whenever they have new information, what is paramount is the safety of the victim, he stressed.
Adap also disclosed that Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Police Regional Director Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag has organized the Task Force Yusoph which will serve as the operating arm of the crisis management committee.
Adap expressed confidence that the crisis management committee together with the council of elders, local officials and security forces as well as the religious and civic groups would be able to facilitate the safe release of the Commissioner's son.
On the other hand, re-electionist provincial governor Mamintal 'Bombit' Alonto Adiong Jr, chairman of the crisis management committee stressed that this incident is far different from other kidnapping incidents in the province because it is politically-motivated.
He, however, appealed to the abductors to return Yusoph's son saying that there is a right practice of filing electoral protest.
The governor also hopes that this incident will be solved immediately so that the special elections in some parts of the province will push through.
The uncle of the victim, Fahar Pangcoga, meanwhile said their family has agreed to leave the crisis management committee to address the situation.