Kidnapped female trader released in Lanao Norte

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Suspected elements of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) freed unharmed a businesswoman in Lanao del Norte Sunday night, after holding her hostage for nearly two weeks, the military said.

Citing reports, Lt. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, commander of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (Wetmincom), said businesswoman Nena Toremocha was released in Sultan Naga Dimaporo, Lanao del Norte and later brought to Kabasalan, Zamboanga Sibugay where she was reunited with her son Reynante Monday morning.

Dolorfino said he is not aware if money changed hands in Toremocha’s release. He believes though that the military’s sustained pursuit operation might have pressured the kidnappers in releasing her.

There was also no word if there were negotiations for the release of Toremocha, who was seized by six armed men from her warehouse in Mabuhay town on Olutanga Island last April 12.

However, there were reports that the kidnappers, led by Abral Abdusalam, a brother of rogue MILF leader Waning Abdusalam, had demanded P30-million ransom but later reduced it to P7 million.

Waning Abdusalam was tagged as one of the kidnappers of Irish Columban priest Michael Sinnott in Pagadian City, Zamboanga del Sur last year.

Meanwhile, government troops are tracking down members of a kidnapping gang which seized a contractor and his driver over the weekend in Salipada K. Pendatun, Maguindanao.

Superintendent Teng Tocao, Sultan Kudarat police director, said they have coordinated with the Maguindanao police to help in the rescue of 76-year-old contractor Jose Lagon Sr. and his driver, German Anghag.

Separatist rebels led by Commander Tiny, a top lieutenant of rogue MILF leader Tahir Alonto, seized the two while on their way to inspect a construction project in Barangay Midkunding in Salipada K. Pendatun town. – With John Unson and Rose Tamayo-Tesoro