Kidnapped Chinese trader freed in Zamboanga Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Gunmen believed to be linked with the Abu Sayyaf group freed unharmed pre-dawn Wednesday its captive young Chinese businessman in Alicia town, Zamboanga Sibugay, security officials said.

The victim Li Pei Zhei was released by his captors about 3:30 a.m. and recovered by PO1 Jimnazur Laja of Alicia town police, according to the reports of the police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).

It was not clear from the authorities whether ransom was paid but unofficial sources disclosed “money changed hand for the freedom of the victim.”

Capt. Ma. Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), confirmed the release of Lei citing the victim was brought to the police and was provided medical check-up before he was reunited with his family.

Zhei, 18, a native of Fujian, China, was abducted last September 11 by gunmen who barged in their general merchandise store in the town center of Kabasalan town, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Police debriefing disclosed that Zhei and his abductors departed from Basilan province about 5 p.m. Tuesday and arrived in the coast of Alicia town about 11 p.m. the same day before he was freed hours later.

Zhei could not immediately identify his captors if they belonged with the kidnapping syndicate of the Abu Sayyaf group but police and military were tracking the possible armed group responsible in the kidnapping of the young businessman.