Kidnappers release Zamboanga City trader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A businessman was freed unharmed by his captors believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group on Friday morning near the wharf of Jolo, Sulu.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, Western Mindanao regional police director, confirmed the release of Edgar Favella in Sulu. He said ground commanders were working for the victim’s transfer to this city.

The victim  was released at around 10 a.m., following negotiations between the family and the kidnappers, said Task Group Favella commander and city police director Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo.

“It was the family who directly negotiated for the safe release of the victim,” De Ocampo said.

De Ocampo could not confirm if ransom was paid for the release of Favella, 52, a restaurant and trucking business operator.

Favella was kidnapped last January 11 from his eatery in Barangay Maasin, west coast of this city. He was then brought to Sulu by his captors, where he stayed for more than 40 days.

De Ocampo disclosed that the kidnappers have told the family to fetch Favella from the wharf.

The victim has been brought to the hospital for medical check-up.

The local crisis management committee headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat said the victim’s family appealed for their privacy and declined to allow them to present Favella to the media.