ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines- Filipina kidnap victim Marites Flor has been freed by the Abu Sayyaf Group under Mujer Yadaha early morning, Friday, June 24.
Flor is among the four captives kidnapped from Samal Island last September 21 and were taken to Sulu. Two of them, Canadian nationals John Risden and Robert Hall, were beheaded last April 25 and June 13, respectively, after the P300-million ransom for each captive was not met.
A native of Bukidnon, Flor was the girlfriend of Hall. According to Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, the terror group reportedly received P20 million ransom money for the release of Flor.
Norweigan captive Kjartan Sekkingstad was left in the custody of Abu Sayyaf. The group didn’t give further details on the present condition of Sekkingstad.
Incoming Presidential peace adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza confirmed the news about the kidnap victim but denied knowing any preconditions for the Filipina hostage’s release.
“I received words that Flor had been released and the plan is to bring her to Davao, to incoming President (Rodrigo) Duterte. I am on my way to Jolo to pick up the released hostage, I’ll bring her to Davao to present her to Duterte,” Dureza told Inquirer.
Duterte presents released Pinay captive
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has presented Flor during the Davao police change of command ceremony today. According to Duterte, he directed negotiations with the bandits for Flor’s release. However, he refused to give further details.
Speaking to the media, Flor revealed she had no idea she will be freed Friday morning.
She said: "Ginising lang ako. Hindi ko alam na palalayain na ako.”
(They woke me up. I had no idea I will be released.)
Flor, who said she cannot identify the location of the group, claimed the terror group threatened to behead Sekkingstad if their demand for ransom will not be met.
--Mini, The Summit Express
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| According to Duterte, he directed negotiations with the bandits for Flor’s release. Photo Credit: Sun Star Davao |
A native of Bukidnon, Flor was the girlfriend of Hall. According to Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muammar Askali alias Abu Rami, the terror group reportedly received P20 million ransom money for the release of Flor.
Norweigan captive Kjartan Sekkingstad was left in the custody of Abu Sayyaf. The group didn’t give further details on the present condition of Sekkingstad.
Incoming Presidential peace adviser Secretary Jesus Dureza confirmed the news about the kidnap victim but denied knowing any preconditions for the Filipina hostage’s release.
“I received words that Flor had been released and the plan is to bring her to Davao, to incoming President (Rodrigo) Duterte. I am on my way to Jolo to pick up the released hostage, I’ll bring her to Davao to present her to Duterte,” Dureza told Inquirer.
Duterte presents released Pinay captive
Incoming President Rodrigo Duterte has presented Flor during the Davao police change of command ceremony today. According to Duterte, he directed negotiations with the bandits for Flor’s release. However, he refused to give further details.
Speaking to the media, Flor revealed she had no idea she will be freed Friday morning.
She said: "Ginising lang ako. Hindi ko alam na palalayain na ako.”
(They woke me up. I had no idea I will be released.)
Flor, who said she cannot identify the location of the group, claimed the terror group threatened to behead Sekkingstad if their demand for ransom will not be met.
--Mini, The Summit Express
