Abu Sayyaf free mining executive in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Abu Sayyaf bandits have released a mining executive Tuesday night in Indanan town, Sulu allegedly after receiving a ransom, according to authorities.

The freed kidnap victim, Priscillano Garcia, was fetched by an unidentified woman in a vicinity of Indanan town about 6:30 p.m. Tuesday, said Capt. Antonio Bulao, information officer of the Joint Task Group Sulu (JOTGS).

Garcia, finance officer of a mining company operating in Tumbagaan Island off Languyan town, Tawi-Tawi was abducted last May 3 at the Beach Side inn in Bungao and brought to Sulu as captive.

Bulao said JTGS commander Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado received the report about Garcia’s release and immediately directed their intelligence unit to track down the freed captive.

Bulao said the victim was reportedly booked in a passenger ferry and scheduled to leave about 9 p.m. for Zamboanga City.

Arrojado said Garcia was immediately assisted by medical personnel of the military trauma hospital and brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista for medical check-up and debriefing.

Security sources disclosed that a ransom worth P1.3 million was allegedly paid for his release.

Arrojado could not confirm the information whether a ransom was paid.

Arrojado said he believes that the Abu Sayyaf group had been pressured to release the victim due to military’s relentless operation

The freed victim was transported by the Navy multi-purpose assault craft (MPAC) that arrived in this city about 2 a.m. Wednesday.

The victim later took the first flight schedule to Manila, according to security official.