Kidnap victim held for over a year freed in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines – After being held for more than a year, a kidnap victim allegedly seized by the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu province was released Tuesday, the military said.

Carlos Tee Tiam, who was abducted on April 7 last year, was released by his captors in Jolo town and reportedly walked to his residence Tuesday morning, Colonel Jose Johriel Cenabre, commander of Second Marine Brigade said in a text message to reporters.

He added that the victim’s wife was “surprised” to see Tiam after opening the door when she heard a knock at about 3 a.m.

Cenabre quoted the wife as saying that the Tiam family made no negotiations with the kidnappers and she knew nothing that her husband will be released on Tuesday, adding that no ransom was paid to the abductors.

The victim was brought to Integrated Provincial Health Office in Sulu for medical check-up.