A
new video of Warren Rodwell, the Australian national who was kidnapped in
southern Philippines last year, was posted on the video-sharing site YouTube.
Rodwell has expressed little hope that he will be released by his abductors who
are believed to be members of the notorious Abu Sayyaf bandit group.
In
the video, Rodwell said, "I do not expect to be released before the year
2013 at the earliest. I personally hold no hope at all for being released. I do
not trust Abu Sayyaf."
Rodwell
was shown holding the December 15, 2012 issue of the broadsheet Philippine
Daily Inquirer. The video was posted on December 25, 2012.
Rodwell
was abducted from his home in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay, on December 5, 2011,
"This
video clip today is to say that I am alive. I am waiting to be released. I have
no idea what's going on outside. I'm just held prisoner in isolation,"
Rodwell said.
"I
understand there are some negotiations. I do not get any information, updated
information. The people around me normally don't speak English. I understand
something is happening but I don't know when," he added. Rodwell said he
does not trust the Abu Sayyaf and the Australian government: "I just don't
trust anyone. Personally, I don't care."
The
video ended after Rodwell looked at whoever was holding the camera and asked,
"Is that it?".
