Sayyaf frees fishing firms’ exec in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines   â€“ Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants freed unharmed a fishing boat master patron in Jolo, Sulu last Tuesday night reportedly after payment of still unspecified ransom, authorities said.

The victim, Lucio Gonzales, master patron of the fishing boats of GMA and AMR fishing companies, was released in downtown Jolo, where he took a ferry to this city. He was later reunited with his family in Barangay Cawit here.

Armed men on board two pump boats intercepted Gonzales’ fishing boat off Lantawan town in Basilan last May 21. 

The kidnappers initially demanded P15 million, but reportedly later agreed to a lower amount.