Abu Sayyaf Releases 1 of 2 Female Kidnapped Victims in Sulu

Manila (PNA) — The Western Mindanao Command on Monday announced that Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) brigands have freed one of the two female victims they have kidnapped in Barangay Kaunayan, Patikul town, Sulu Sunday afternoon.

Capt. Rowena Muyuela, the command’s spokesperson, identified the freed victim as Nursalyn Ahamudin Alih.

She was released at Sitio Kantitap, Barangay Danag, also in Patikul around 1 a.m. Monday.

Alih and companion Shekinah Hope Tan were snatched by three ASG members, of which two were identified as Ramsid Sali and Injie, around 2:30 p.m.

All three were aboard an unmarked motorcycle which quickly fled towards the direction of Barangay Taglibi.

Alih, 26, and a resident of Barangay Danag, Patikul, was escorted by Marine troops and her family to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical attention and later brought to her sisters’ residence in Muralla St., Jolo, Sulu.

Authorities have yet to confirm whether the family of the victims paid ransom money for the release.

Muyuela said they are still conducting pursuit operations to locate and recover Tan safely. (PNA) LGI/PFN