Australian kidnapped in the Philippines, family asks for privacy

THE family of an Australian man kidnapped by Islamists in the Philippines say they do not want to make any public comments about their ordeal.

Warren Rodwell has pleaded for his life in a ransom video sent to his Filipina wife and obtained by the media this week.

Looking haggard and distressed, the 53-year-old former soldier, who was snatched from his home in the southern island of Mindanao on 5 December, says his captors want $US2 million ($A1.93 million).

“To my family, please do whatever to raise the two million US dollars they are asking for my release as soon as possible,” he says.

The family on Thursday issued a statement through the Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade.

“We are sure people will understand that this is a difficult time for our family and friends,” the statement reads.

“We do not, at this stage, wish to make any public comments, and ask that the media respects our privacy.”

Islamic militant group Abu Sayyaf – heavily linked to the Indonesia-based Jemaah Islamiah terrorist organisation behind the Bali bombings – is believed to be responsible for the kidnapping.

Watch Warren Rodwell’s video plea here: