Armed group with MILF links frees Zambo trader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An armed group with links to the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) yesterday freed unharmed in a coastal village a businesswoman who they had held captive since March 4, police said.

Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, city police chief, said the victim, Olivia Angles Barredo, 37, was released to her family at around 1:15 p.m. yesterday in the coastal village of Manicahan, a known jump-off point of kidnapping gangs.

Barredo, who operates a pharmacy, hardware and general merchandise store, was snatched last March 4 in Barangay Labuan, a coastal village opposite to Manicahan.

Police said Barredo apparently lost weight and appeared haggard. 

De Ocampo could not immediately confirm if ransom was paid as Barredo’s family had requested the authorities to allow them to directly negotiate with the kidnappers. The kidnappers initially demanded P20-million ransom.

Military officials said Barredo was seized by an armed group with links to MILF rebels operating in the Zamboanga Peninsula. 

Security sources, however, said Barredo’s family raised nearly P5 million allegedly for the ransom.

Barredo’s family declined to give any statement and appealed for privacy as the businesswoman underwent medical checkup.

Barredo, who was three months’ pregnant when she was seized, reportedly suffered miscarriage while in captivity.

Barredo’s release leaves five more kidnap victims still being held separately in Sulu, Basilan, and Zamboanga Sibugay.

Among the hostages are three fishing boat officers in Sulu, a resort and restaurant owner in Basilan, and a nine-year-old son of a village head in Titay, Zamboanga Sibugay. 

The Abu Sayyaf has directly contacted the employers and families of boat captain Renato Panisales, assistant engineer Wennie Ferrer, and quartermaster Jonald Ocsimar, of Mega Fishing Co., and demanded P10-million ransom. The three were seized last March 19.

A separate Abu Sayyaf group has been holding captive businessman Largio de los Santos, alias Larry Fonts, since Dec. 16, demanding P20 million for his freedom.

The nine-year-old boy, meanwhile, was snatched last March 16 by suspected MILF guerrillas who are asking for P20-million ransom.