Abu Sayyaf frees Jolo businessman

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants released before midnight Thursday in Sulu a Filipino-Chinese businessman they had held captive for nearly three months, authorities said.

Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation for Western Mindanao, said Nelson Lim, 56, was turned over to Jolo Vice Mayor Edsir Tan.

Lim, owner of the Plaza Panciteria and Times Hardware in downtown Jolo, capital of Sulu, was seized last April 29 and was reportedly brought to Mt. Dahu in Patikul town.

Khu said there was no immediate word if ransom was paid to the kidnappers, who earlier were said to have demanded P5 million from Lim’s family.