11 released as warring clans exchange hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Members of two families involved in a 30-year clan war have exchanged hostages, resulting in the release of 11 people who have been taken captive as a result of the feud, according to authorities.

The hostages are members of the Dayalin and Duwalay clans that have been engaged in a clan war.

On July 9, three daughters of former Moro National Liberation Front commander Duwalay Hassan Addang were kidnapped allegedly by relatives of Ambahil Dayalin.

In retaliation, Addang’s followers allegedly took 11 members of Dayalin’s family. Three of the victims were released for humanitarian reasons.

But on Monday afternoon, Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of 104th Army Brigade, said all the hostages were freed through “swapping.”

First to be freed were Addang’s three daughters, who were released in Lamitan City on Sunday night.

Lt. Col. Paolo Perez, commander of the 18th Infantry Battalion, said the eight hostages, who were turned over to former Vice Gov. Al Rasheed Sakkalahul, were brought to the village of Bohe Lebbong where they were “swapped” with Addang’s three daughters.

“They (Dayalin and Addang) were forced to agree to free their respective captives when we informed them that if there was no release, they would be held responsible,” Perez said.

After the swapping of hostages, Galvez said, those involved were made to “commit not to fight each other and to end their hostilities.”

Earlier, Galvez said the abduction was linked to “30 years of unsettled feud” between the families.