Kidnappers free DAR architect

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Kidnappers freed their captive, who is the architect of Agrarian Secretary Nasser Pangandaman, following a series of negotiations Wednesday night in Iligan City, according to the military here.

Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, chief of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) said architect Pablo Mercado III, 45, held more than a month was released about 10:30 p.m. in Barangay Camague, Iligan City.

“The release was made possible through the series of negotiations of the relatives of Pangandaman and the Crisis Management Committee headed by Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong Jr.,” Dolorfino said.

Military pursuit and pressure operations by the elements of the 103rd Army Brigade also reportedly prompted the kidnappers into releasing safely the victim, Dolorfino said.

Mercado, working as architect of Pangandaman was abducted on Oct. 23 at the vicinity of Barangay Bubong, Saguiran town in Lanao del Sur by six armed men clad in police uniforms.

Dolorfino said based on the accounts of the victim, he was reportedly brought in the areas of Kapai and Tagoloan towns while the kidnappers tried to escape.

He, however, could not immediately say if money changed hands or money was considered in the release of the victim.