ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Filipino farmer of American descent who was kidnapped on Sept. 16 was rescued in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte yesterday.
Rex Triplitt, 64, a resident of Barangay Piacan, was rescued after police and military personnel clashed with his captors at around 10:30 a.m., according to Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, 102nd Infantry Brigade commander.
“The victim was described to be in good condition,” Nicolas said.
Triplitt was brought to a hospital for checkup before he was reunited with his family.
The victim and his wife were on their way home when he was snatched by unidentified men in Barangay Tapanayan.
Nicolas said the Sirawai municipal government, National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Moro Islamic Liberation Front and Moro National Liberation Front helped in the rescue operation.
He said a manhunt for the kidnappers, who managed to escape, is underway.