2 vendors freed in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines–Two “ukay-ukay” (used clothing) vendors were freed by their abductors on Sunday morning after allegedly paying ransom, the authorities said Monday.

Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations Western Mindanao, said Ambon Ahamad Blas, 60 and Perlita Bagay, 25, were released in the village of Latih in Patikul, Sulu.

Khu said initial investigation showed that the victims’ families paid a P100,000 ransom.

Lieutenant Colonel Randolph Cabangbang, spokesman of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, also confirmed receiving reports that the victims’ families paid a P100,000 ransom.

Ambon and Bagay were on their way home when the motorcycle they were riding was flagged down by armed men on August 21.

Cabangbang said the two vendors were taken by an Abu Sayyaf Group under Basarun Aruk, who was one of those allegedly behind the kidnapping and beheading of teacher Gabriel Canizares on Oct. 19, 2009.