Kidnapers Ask $2 Million Ransom for Aussie Adventurer Held Hostage in Philippines

The kidnapers of Australian adventurer Warren Rodwell had sent a ransom note to his Filipina wife asking for payment of $2 million ransom in exchange for his freedom.

The kidnap gang from southern Philippines sent a 108-second video which showed Mr Rodwell asking the Australian and Philippine governments to work for his release. He asked his family to raise the $2 million for his freedom.

Mr Rodwell, 53, used to be in the Australian Army, but he pointed out the place where he has been abducted has a different terrain and the only solution for his release is for the payment of the ransom.

His wife, 27-year-old Miraflor Gutang, showed to media photos of Mr Rodwell she received as proof that he is still alive. In the photo, Mr Rodwell is shown with an open and infected wound on his right hand and his left hand in a metal handcuff.

The wound was likely caused by a gunshot, which was fired when the Australian struggled as four men who pretended to be policemen kidnapped him on Dec 5 from his house in Mindanao, a known lair of Muslim rebels and kidnap-for-ransom groups.

He is held in Basilan by Puruji Indama, the commander of the Abu Sayyaf group which is known for its links to the al-Qaeda and for beheading Christians. They initially asked for $22,800 ransom but increased it to $2 million. The wife said she does not have that money.