Kidnappers release university clerk in Jolo, Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Jul 31): Kidnappers release university clerk in Jolo, Sulu

A clerk of the Islamic research studies at the Western Mindanao State University kidnapped last month was freed by his captors with ties to Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu, the military disclosed Wednesday.

Col. Jose Johriel Cenabre, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said the victim, Alrashid Rojas, was freed around 4 a.m. Wednesday at the port area of Jolo, the capital town of Sulu.

Rojas, 56, was seized in front of his residence in the evening of last June 22 at Amping Drive, Barangay Campo Islam, 4.5 kilometers west of this city.

Rojas was dragged into a waiting motorized banca that sped into the high seas.

Cenabre said the victim was held captive for one month a nine days in the jungles of Talipao, Sulu, by the kidnappers linked with the group of Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Idang Susukan.

Cenabre said Rojas was recovered by combined troops who rushed to the Jolo port following information that the victim was released in the area.

Cenabre, who is also the commander of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said Rojas was immediately brought to his headquarters in Barangay Busbus, Jolo and was placed under medical treatment and debriefing.

It was not immediately known whether or not Rojas’ family paid ransom in exchange for his release, according to Cenabre.

He said Rojas was flown to this city from Jolo Wednesday afternoon and eventually reunited with his family.

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