Kidnapped teachers in Iligan City freed—military

MANILA, Philippines – Two teachers who were kidnapped in Barangay Rogongon, Iligan last week have been freed Sunday night, a military spokesman said.

Army spokesman Major Harold Cabunoc said Serfino Sanchez and Rene Sumagang, teachers of Limonsodan Bayug Falls Elementary School, were released to Mayor Misangcad Capal of Kapai, Lanao del Sur at about 7:20 p.m. after being captives since March 19.

The two were handed over by Mangagao Elias known as Ayatullah, leader of a nine-man kidnap for ransom group. Reports said that he was a former Moro rebel who was into illegal logging, but the logging ban after Tropical Storm Sendong crippled his livelihood.

Col. Daniel Lucero, chief of the Army’s 103rd Brigade, told the INQUIRER that the presence of some 300 soldiers and police forces, may have prompted the kidnappers to release the victim.

Lucero said no ransom was paid in exchange for the release of the victims. The abductors earlier demanded a P4-million ransom which they later reduced to P2 million.

Originally posted at 08:43 am | Monday, March 26,  2012