Abducted coffee shop owner released in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A coffee shop owner, held captive by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants for about a month, was freed unharmed Monday night in Patikul, Sulu following negotiations, a security official said.

The victim, Renato Yanga alias Reneboy, 50, was secretly released to his family about 11 p.m. following negotiations by the Jolo Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCCI) headed by Jolo councilor Luis Go. 

Yanga, owner of the Top Spot Coffee Shop, was immediately kept by family at his residence in Serantes Street after briefly coordinating with the police about the release.

There was no immediate word if ransom was paid in exchange for the release of Yanga who was abducted last April 20 while opening his coffee shop in the downtown of Jolo.

The police said Yanga’s abduction was the second time already after the victim was also abducted few years back and released safely.

Meanwhile, two construction workers were also released Tuesday after the rebels held them captive for a day in the hinterlands of Patikul, Sulu.

Hadji Sali Espada, truck mixer driver and his helper, a certain Dimar who were seized on Monday afternoon but released about 1 p.m. on Tuesday at the Circumferential Road, Patikul town. 

The two were freed without ransom following negotiations by Sulu district engineer Taballang Atluh

The two freed victims were given stress debriefing at the trauma hospital before they were reunited with their families.