Kidnapped businesswoman rescued

MANILA, Philippines - Elite military troops yesterday rescued a businesswoman who was abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf in Zamboanga Sibugay province this month.

Lt. Col. Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman for the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command, said the victim, identified as Luisa Galvez-Morrison, was rescued by Scout Ranger troops in Sumisip, Basilan at about 3 p.m.

Before the rescue operation, members of the 4th Scout Ranger battalion had been verifying reports about the presence of armed men in Barangay Baiwas in Sumisip town.

“Upon reaching the area, firefight ensued against the armed group who later on turned out to be group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Radzmer Temmeng Jannatul and Sub-ldr Juhayver,” Cabangbang said in a text message.

One soldier identified as Pfc. Arjae de Ramos was wounded during the clash.

Cabangbang said the Abu Sayyaf had Morrison in custody when the encounter happened.

“According to reports on the ground, Abu Sayyaf members Abu Sa-id, Abdul Aziz and a certain Mukim were killed while seven others were wounded,” he said. 

Cabangbang said Morrison, a common law wife of a British national, suffered injuries in her legs during the clash. She is now in safe condition and is recovering at the base of the 4th Scout Ranger Battalion.

Morrison, 34, is the owner of RL Salon and Spa and a resident of Barangay Magdaup in Ipil town. She was kidnapped by three unidentified armed men on Sept. 4.