Cotabato trader freed in exchange for P.5 M

COTABATO CITY – Kidnappers freed yesterday, through the intercession of an influential Muslim datu, a Chinese trader snatched here last month.

The victim, Vicente Yu, owner of Lian Hing Trading here, said his family paid the kidnappers P500,000 for his "board and lodging" while being held captive in different areas in Maguindanao.

Earlier, Datu Tucao Mastura, former mayor of nearby Sultan Kudarat town, his followers and elements of the 2nd Marine Brigade, rescued trader Michael Ang and 14-year-old Al Vincent Uy who were abducted here and in Midsayap town, respectively.

Yu said his kidnappers blindfolded him as they moved from one place to another.

Yu was snatched by five gunmen while about to enter his warehouse here last Sept. 16.

Yu’s captors earlier deman-ded a P10-million ransom, but later agreed to release him through the efforts of Mastura, known for his iron-fisted policy in dealing with lawless elements operating in his town. – John Unson