The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits have released the trader
they kidnapped almost a year ago in this city, a military official announced
Wednesday.
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom)
spokesman, said the victim-trader, Araji Maani, was released around 10:45 a.m.
Wednesday in Barangay Wanih Piyanjihan, Parang, Sulu.
Tan said the ASG brigands kidnapped Maani on July 27, 2015
in this city and was taken to the province
of Sulu
Tan did not say whether or not ransom was paid in exchange
for the release of Maani.
He said that counseling was conducted by Joint Task Force
Sulu in coordination with Sulu Police Provincial Office and other law
enforcement prior to his turnover to his family.
The release of Maani came three hours after an ASG brigand
was killed in a clash with the troops from the Army’s 35th Infantry Battalion
in Barangay Maligay, Patikul, Sulu.
Tan said the troops were conducting focused military
operations when they clashed with more or less 20 ASG brigands, who are
believed to be responsible for the killings of unarmed soldiers in different
areas in Jolo, Sulu.
Tan said the clash lasted for about five minutes after which
the ASG bandits scampered to different directions leaving behind their slain
companion.
He said the troops recovered a caliber .45 pistol from the
possession of the slain ASG brigand.
He said the conduct of the continued focused military
operations was to pressure the Abu Sayyaf to release the remaining kidnap
victims.
To date, Tan disclosed there were nine foreigners and three
Filipinos believed to still be in the hands of the ASG brigands.
The foreigners included a Dutchman birdwatcher, a Norwegian
and seven Indonesians.
http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=&sid=&nid=&rid=901746
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