Sayyaf-linked group frees businesswoman

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A kidnapping gang with links to the Abu Sayyaf freed on Christmas Day a 60-year-old businesswoman who had been held captive for almost two months in the mountains of Basilan, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, commander of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation for Western Mindanao, said retailer Rose Baranda was released at around 7:40 p.m. Saturday in Sitio Limbo Kassah, Barangay Magkawah, Al-Barka town.

Khu said a joint police-military team recovered Baranda following negotiations initiated by Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul, who chairs the provincial crisis management committee, and Muslim elders.

Baranda, who was seized by the group of Nurhasan Jamiri in Barangay Cabangalan, Ungkaya Pukan town last Nov. 2, was fetched by Sakalahul in Sitio Limbo Kassah.

Sakalahul said Baranda appeared very weak because of her illnesses.

“It was primarily a successful negotiation assisted by the municipal crisis management committee, the police and military without ransom being paid,” Sakalahul said.

Authorities said the kidnappers were also forced to release Baranda due to her failing health condition.

Baranda was initially brought to Lamitan town for a medical check-up and debriefing.