P1 million paid for trader’s release

ZAMBOANGA CITY — An Abu Sayyaf captive in the province of Sulu has been released after the payment of P1 million in ransom, according to police.

Col. Gerry Besana, public affairs officer of the military’s Western Mindanao Command, confirmed the release of Helen Roda, who was kidnapped with her husband, Rufo, in August in the town of Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte province. —Julie Alipala