Police Tuesday filed criminal charges against Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) commander Furuji Indama and at least 27 of his men for their alleged involvement in the abduction of three plywood factory workers in Maluso town last week.

Charged with kidnapping with serious illegal detention before the Basilan Prosecutor’s Office Tuesday morning were Indama, who heads the ASG in Basilan, Mujahid Nasirin, Amilhusin Insoh, Daniel Musa, Omar Musa, Moton Indama, Hud Limaya, Adam Mingkong, Muktar Abon, Ismael Sakkam and Nasser Butug.

“There were 17 others who were included in the charge sheet who were identified only through their aliases and several others who are yet to be identified. Those named in the charge sheet were identified through eyewitness accounts,” said Chief Superintendent Leonardo Espina, spokesman of the Philippine National Police (PNP).

Espina said that witnesses provided information that led local police investigators to establish that it was the ASG men who stormed the Hi-Tech Woodcraft in Barangay Townsite in Maluso town on November 10 and kidnapped Michael Tan, Oscar Dee and Mark Singson.

The official also revealed that the kidnapping for ransom was not yet established since there is no contact yet or any demand for the release of the three who remain captive by the bandit group.

“Our investigators only filed the case of kidnapping with serious illegal detention, but the penalty for that offense is similar to kidnapping for ransom which is reclusion perpetua,” said Espina.

It was learned that a local crisis management committee was immediately established in order to solve the kidnapping of the three with police sources saying that no ransom would be paid should the ASG demands for it.

The group of Indama has been tagged in several kidnapping cases recently in Basilan, including a Sri Lankan peace advocate, a female collection employee and some workers, one of them they beheaded while being pursued by police and military operatives early this year.

Indama and his men also turned out to be the ones who took custody of the six teachers who were kidnapped off Zamboanga City and Zamboanga Sibugay also this year. All of them, however, were later freed.

In an interview, Espina said they will employ the strategy they used that led to the release of Irish priest Michael Sinnott, which is cordoning off the general area where the three plywood factory workers and their abductors are believed to be holed up.

“Pursuit operations are ongoing at Sumisip and Tipo-Tipo towns,” said Espina.

He, however, said they will also give priority to any negotiation to secure the safe release of the three plywood factory workers.

Meanwhile, Basilan Gov. Jum Akbar has ordered the military and police to mount an all-out rescue and punitive action against the ASG who kidnapped three plywood factory workers.

Akbar said that “it is high time now for government troops to mount a military surgical operation to rescue the workers.”

The governor also asked the police to verify reports that the management of the plywood firm is engaging in negotiations with the ASG and said this should be stopped.

In a meeting police and military officials, the lady governor was quoted as saying, “I don't like negotiations. I want pursuit operations to teach these criminals a lesson.”

She said a relentless and punitive actions against kidnapper would discourage more abductions.