Snatched girl's stepfather flies to Philippines

The British stepfather of a six-year-old girl kidnapped at gunpoint by Muslim guerillas from her Filipino home is flying to be at his wife's side.

Douglas Grant, stepfather of Eiman April Grant, is due to arrive in the country tomorrow to be with his wife Mina and their 22-month-old daughter Khadija.

His decision to fly to the Philippines came after reports from the military in the remote southern island of Basilan, that an area has been cordoned off and negotiations are taking place.

Mrs Grant had earlier made an emotional appeal to her daughter to stay healthy and called on the kidnappers to release her.

Speaking on local radio station dxRZ, Mrs Grant said: "I'm sorry, sweetheart, to call you late. I know what's in your mind. I know that you will say, 'Mommy, I'll be a good girl, mommy please take me home now'.

"Don't be sad. Eat your food. I miss you very much. You should eat so you can stay healthy.

"You ask them (the kidnappers) for anything you want. Don't hesitate. Don't worry, sweetheart, I'm still here. You should stay there for the meantime. That's what your daddy said".

Mr Grant, a hospitality manager, had settled in the Philippines with his wife and family but was forced to return to Britain last August to care for his elderly parents.