Abu Sayyaf frees trader seized in April in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Abu Sayyaf gunmen on Thursday set free a Filipino-Chinese businessman they kidnapped in Sulu in April, authorities confirmed on Friday.

Chief Supt. Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao, said 67-year old Nelson Lim was released past 11 p.m.

Khu said Lim was released to Jolo Vice Mayor Edsir Tan.

Lim, owner of the Plaza Panciteria and Times Hardware in Jolo, was snatched by Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Bus-bus village on April 29.

The Abu Sayyaf had demanded P5 million in exchange for the release of the victim.

Khu said it was not clear whether or not ransom was paid for Lim.

Senior Insp. Kris Conrad Gutierrez, operations officer of the Sulu police office, said “we still don’t have a clear picture as to how he was freed.”

“The family has requested that he be given time to recover,” he said.

Six other victims are still captive by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu.

They include Jose Batronel and Rosely Villadore. They were seized July 13 while selling kitchen ware in Jolo. Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao