Abus release kidnapped midwife

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A midwife kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen was released in a village in Patikul town in Sulu  on Tuesday, a police official said yesterday.

Lailani Bernabe was recovered by village leaders at around 6 a.m. in Barangay Danag, and turned over to the police.

Senior Superintendent Abraham Orbita, Sulu police commander, said the victim, who underwent medical checkup was declared to be in good health. 

Abu Sayyaf gunmen snatched Bernabe in Barangay Libug Kabaw, Panglima Estino town on Aug. 28.

It was not immediately known if the family of Bernabe paid ransom. The Abu Sayyaf had demanded an unspecified amount of ransom in exchange for her release.