Kidnapped Zamboanga trader released

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Kidnappers released a businesswoman of Pitogo town in Zamboanga del Sur Friday night after one month in captivity.

Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) in Western Mindanao, said Monalisa Capa Almonte, 34, was recovered by her relatives at around 6:30 p.m along Varela street in this city.

Gunmen seized Almonte, who manages a gasoline station and engaged in fishing boat business, last Oct. 8. Initial reports said the victim was held in Sitio Talaib, Barangay Labatan, Payoa town in Zamboanga Sibugay.

 Almonte was monitored in Barangay Guinanta, Al-Barka town several days prior to her release.

 Khu said Alimuddin Danganan Bual, a representative of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front's ad hoc joint action group and the victim’s uncle negotiated for Almonte’s release.

 “Allegedly no ransom was paid,” he said.

However, sources disclosed that the victim’s family paid “board and lodging” fee.