ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - – Armed men believed to have links with the Abu Sayyaf yesterday released near the Jolo airport in Sulu a businesswoman they had held captive since last February, according to security officials.
The victim, Sugar Diane Esperanza Buenviaje, 33, was abandoned by her captors at around 7:50 a.m in the vicinity of the Jolo Airport in Barangay San Raymundo, said Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, Sulu police director.
Buenviaje was immediately brought to the provincial hospital for check-up and stress debriefing.
Police said Buenviaje, who looked haggard, provided some information on her captivity but could not identify her kidnappers.
Police could not immediately say if ransom was paid in exchange for Buenviaje’s release, but disclosed that her kidnappers directly negotiated with her family.
Buenviaje, owner of the Cagayan Enterprises General Merchandise on Mapun Island, now known as Cagayan de Tawi-Tawi, was snatched by three armed men from her store last Feb. 7 and brought to Sulu.