Abu Sayyaf free engineer in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Barely a week after releasing two policewomen, Abu Sayyaf bandits freed unharmed an engineer in Jolo, Sulu yesterday morning. 

The victim, identified as Enrico Nee, was released by his captors at around 8 a.m. in Barangay Latih, Patikul town.

Villagers found Nee and reported the matter to the district engineer’s office in Jolo, which sent a team to pick up the victim.

Nee, who was suffering from an illness, was initially brought to a local public works office, according to Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, chief of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

The military picked up Nee and brought him to a hospital at Camp Teodulfo Bautista for medical checkup and debriefing.

It was not known if ransom was paid in exchange for the release of the victim.

Nee was seized by unidentified men in February in Barangay San Raymundo in Jolo.

Nee’s release brought to nine the number of captives still in the hands of the bandits.

They include a Dutchman, a Vietnamese, three Indonesians and four Filipinos.

Sobejana said military operations would continue for the rescue of the hostages.

On May 15, the bandits released Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad who were seized in Patikul last month. – With Michael Punongbayan