P1.2M paid for release of kidnap victim

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Kidnap victim Rufo Roda was recovered alive in Jolo on Wednesday night, according to a police report.

Chief Supt. Emmanuel Licup, regional police director, confirmed the release of Roda.

Roda, Licup quoted the report as saying, “was delivered by an unidentified person through negotiations spearheaded by a certain Al.”

The negotiator, Al, was a resident of Jolo, Licup said.

The report added that ransom, worth P1.2 million, was paid for the release of Roda and his wife, but only Roda was freed by his captors believed to be Abu Sayyaf members. —JULIE ALIPALA