2 of 7 Maranaws seized in Maguindanao freed

PENDATUN, Maguindanao, Philippines – Two of seven passengers of two vehicles seized by armed men in Matanog, Maguindanao Thursday night have been freed, police said.

Investigators have established that the armed men were related to a certain Harris Daud, an Iranun who is reportedly being held captive somewhere in Lanao del Sur by relatives of those kidnapped.

Matanog officials said the two were released after the armed men learned they were not related to their Maranaw enemies.

Police were still locating the whereabouts of the freed captives for the usual tactical debriefing.

Matanog Mayor Nasser Imam said among those snatched was Abdul Mutia, who leads a rival Maranaw clan.

Police probers said Mutia tried to hide his identity by refusing to talk to the armed men when he and the seven other passengers were ordered to disembark from their vehicles along the Secretary Narciso Ramos Highway.