Abu Sayyaf frees teacher in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed unharmed Thursday morning a public school teacher after holding him captive overnight in Patikul town, Sulu, a military official in the province said.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, spokesman of the 2nd Marine Brigade based in Busbus, Jolo, said Alrashid Jahang, a teacher of Taglibi Elementary School in Patikul was released about 9 a.m. in Barangay Kaday Mampallam, Patikul town following negotiation.

Lacuesta said the release of the victim was due to the efforts of the local government units and the relatives of Jahang in the area.

It remains uncertain if the victim's family paid ransom for his release.

“Reports on the ground indicated that the relatives of Jahang and local officials negotiated with the relatives of those who were behind the abduction,” Lacuesta said.

Jahang was on board his single motorcycle on his way back to Jolo town when he was flagged down about 4 p.m by 11 Abu Sayyaf gunmen led by Aljini Mundoc alias Ninok Sapari at the vicinity of sitio Baunoh, Barangay Liang, Patikul town.

Mundoc’s group has been tagged behind the spate of kidnappings in Sulu areas, according to the military.

Lacuesta said despite the release of Jahang marines and police forces continued its pursuit operation against the kidnappers who are also separately holding captive two kids and their helpers abducted last Monday.

The victims are a 10-year-old a son of a physician and his eight-year-old cousin together with Almalyn Abuhail, 18, housemaid and Saddam Amlih, family driver, all residents of Barangay Alat, Jolo, Sulu.

The victims with their helpers were on their way to school when they were seized by the gunmen at Scot Road, Jolo town and escaped toward an unknown direction.

Police and military in Sulu disclosed the family of the victims were initiating contacts to negotiate for the safe release of the victims.