Abu Sayyaf frees hostage

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen safely released Wednesday night an old businesswoman they held captive for one month in the mountains of Patikul, Sulu, a security official said.

The victim identified as Hadja Dingkim Yap, 58, operating a chain of pawnshops in Jolo, was abandoned by her captors in an undisclosed village in Patikul town about 6:30 p.m. Wednesday. 

The victim’s husband recovered her near the Chinese Pier village of Jolo and the couple, with some relatives, boarded a passenger ferry that arrived in Zamboanga City Thursday dawn.

The victim, who sustained visible insect bites and looked haggard, was brought to a private hospital. The family refused to face media citing security reasons. 

The victim was forcibly taken last February 15 near her shop by six gunmen in Barangay Chinese Pier.

Police and military authorities could not ascertain if ransom was paid in exchange for the safe release of the victim. However, the Abu Sayyaf group initially demanded a P15-million ransom. 

A relative of the victim disclosed that the family did not pay ransom. 

A source close to the family said the captors took pity on the victim. 

The victim said she was often transferred to several places when her captors heard gunfires.