(UPDATE) Kidnapped engineer freed in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua)  - An engineer of a local water district in Sulu who was kidnapped by unidentified armed men was released yesterday night after 53 days in captivity, local military said today.

Captain Ryan Laquesta, spokesman of the 2nd Marine Brigade based in Jolo, Sulu, said that Engr. Bonifacio Salinas, an employee of Jolo Water District, was freed by his captors at around 7:00 p.m. local time at vicinity of Baunoh Bangkal village in Patikul town.

The spokesman said that after walking for about two hours from the mountainous area of Kanjimao sub-village in Buhanginan village, Salinas was left by his abductors in the area of Baunoh Bangkal where he was instructed to walk towards the direction of Jolo airport.

On his way to the airport, he met some civilians who helped him contact the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters for assistance.

Marine personnel were dispatched to rescue the victim who was immediately brought to Camp Bautista Station Hospital for medical check up.

Salinas, along with his wife Marie Claire, was abducted by six unidentified men on Feb. 16. However, Marie Claire was released on March 21 at Bakung village in Patikul.

Salinas is now reunited with his family at his residence in Jolo, Laquesta said.

"There is no information on whether a ransom money has been paid for his release," he added.