Abu Sayyaf paid P2.5 M to release 2 female cops

From the Manila Bulletin (May 17): Abu Sayyaf paid P2.5 M to release 2 female cops

Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sulu reportedly collected P2.5 million in ransom for the two female police officers they kidnapped in Patikul, Sulu, on April 29.

The group, led by Injam Yadah, has reportedly released Police Officer 3 Bienerose Alvarez at 10:15 a.m Tuesday, and Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad about 13 hours later, in two different areas in Talipao, Sulu.

The bandits seized Alvarez, Gumahad and their male companions, Jacksalem Blas and Faizal Ahidji, while they were riding a tricycle in Patikul.

Ahidji was released on May 7 and Blas was freed a few days later.

Alvarez is assigned at the Engineering Service Division under the Regional Logistics Division of the regional police force. Gumahad is assigned at Midsalip MPS, Zamboanga Del Sur, and was undergoing a 45-day Criminal Investigation Course at Regional Special Training Units 9 in Zamboanga City.

A source who declined to be identified said relatives of the two officers paid R2.5 million for their release.

The Abu Sayyaf first demanded P5 million, the source said.

It was also reported that a leader of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) who is close to former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, had negotiated with Abu Sayyaf leaders Idang and Mujir for the release of the two officers.

https://news.mb.com.ph/2018/05/17/abu-sayyaf-paid-p2-5-m-to-release-2-female-cops/