Zambo trader released

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A Zamboanga businessman, held captive for 43 days, was freed unharmed by his kidnappers believed to be Abu Sayyaf bandits, near the wharf of Jolo, Sulu yesterday, police said.

Chief Superintendent Juanito Vaño, Western Mindanao police director, confirmed the release of 52-year-old trader Edgar Favella, saying ground commanders were working for his transfer to this city.

Favella was released at around 10 a.m. yesterday following negotiations between his family and the kidnappers, said Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo, Task Group Favella head and city police chief.

“It was (Favella’s) family who directly negotiated (his) safe release,“ he said.

De Ocampo though could not confirm if ransom was paid for the release of Favella, who owns a restaurant and trucking business. He was seized last Jan. 11 in his restaurant in Barangay Maasin in the city’s western coast and brought to Sulu.

De Ocampo disclosed that the kidnappers told Favella’s family to fetch him near the Jolo wharf.

The local crisis management committee headed by Mayor Celso Lobregat said Favella’s family decided not to present him and appealed for their privacy.