Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels release hostage

AFP FILE PHOTO

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen on Saturday freed an employee of the Jolo Water District in Sulu, whom they had held captive for 59 days.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, spokesperson of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said Sunday that Bonifacio Salinas was released in Barangay Baunoh Bangkal in Patikul town.
He said based on Salinas’ account, he and his captors walked for about two hours before they left him behind. Salinas managed to meet some civilians on his way and they helped him contact authorities, Lacuesta said.
He said Salinas was immediately brought to the Camp Bautista Station Hospital for medical check up.
The water district employee was abducted along with his wife, Marie Claire, on February 19. The wife was released on March 21, also in Patikul.

Lacuesta said he had no information if the family had paid ransom money for the release of Salinas on Saturday and that of his wife on March 21.

RELATED STORIES

Suspected Abu Sayyaf rebels release 4 hostages – military

2 Algerian-Filipino sisters gain freedom from Abu Sayyaf captivity