Social worker abducted in Basilan freed–authorities

MANILA, Philippines — A social worker abducted by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group in Basilan was released Thursday evening, authorities said Friday.

Jenelyn Enprera of the Department of Social Welfare and Development was released at about 7:30 p.m. in Marang Village in Sumisip town in, a report from the Western Mindanao Command said.

She was turned over to Sumisip Mayor Gulam Boy Hataman and Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos, Commander of Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion.

Enprera’s freedom was attributed to the “collective negotiation efforts conducted initially by local government officials of Ungkaya Pukan headed by Mayors Joel and Jomar, Sumisip Mayor, Hataman and Mayor Tong Listarul, Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos and Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Perez, the Battalion Commanders in the area and the MILF 104th Base Command.”

Meanwhile, Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza, Basilan Provincial Director said no ransom money was paid to the rebel group.

Enpera was abducted Wednesday morning by motorcyle gunmen believed to be from the Abu Sayyaf while she was inspecting DSWD projects in  Ulitan Ungkaya Pukan.