Duterte receives freed policewomen

DAVAO CITY, Philippines — President Duterte yesterday received the two female police officers released by the Abu Sayyaf who kidnapped them in Patikul, Sulu last month. 

The President received the two former captives from Moro National Liberation Front chair Nur Misuari and Presidential Assistant on the Peace Process Jesus Dureza in turnover rites at the Davao International Airport.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Oscar Albayalde presented PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad to the President.

However, there was no word yet as to what happened to civilians Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, who were also kidnapped along with the two policewomen.

Gumahad and Alvarez were released unharmed on Tuesday and Wednesday respectively in two separate places in Sulu by their Abu Sayyaf captors led by Almujer Yadah reportedly after paying P2.5-million ransom.

The victims were turned over by a certain MNLF commander Abraham Joel to former Sulu governor Abdusakur Tan in Indanan town. 

The two female cops were abducted last April 29 with their two civilian companions after visiting a friend in Patikul town.

Albayalde, on the other hand, stressed that no ransom was given.

“As far as the PNP is concerned, we didn’t give any ransom,” he said.

Regional police spokesman Senior Insp. Jemar delos Santos said the two policewomen are still suffering from psychological trauma following their release. – With Roel Pareño, Christina Mendez, Emmanuel Tupas