Abu Sayyaf releases DSWD personnel kidnapped in Sulu

The Abu Sayyaf has released the last two Department of Social Welfare and Development personnel its members abducted in Sulu on Thursday.

According to Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz, head of the Philippine National Police task force against kidnapping in Sulu, DSWD municipal coordinator Norhati Sicangco and her husband were released in a barangay in Patikul just before 1 p.m. on Saturday.

Cruz said no ransom was paid and the release was negotiated through local government and PNP officials. The victims were fetched from the area by their relatives.

Citing an earlier police report, Cruz said the four were abducted around 3 p.m. on Thursday while conducting a survey of beneficiaries of the government's Pantawid ng Pamilyang Pilipino Program.

He said one of the victims was released within hours, adding this may have been to relay the kidnappers' demands. Another victim was also released after negotiations, he said.

Asked why the Abu Sayyaf released the kidnapped DSWD personnel without ransom being paid, Cruz replied: "Siguro, mga tagaroon lang kasi [ang] mga ito, eh kaya, in a way, magkakilala [sila]." — JDS, GMA News