Kidnapped school principal freed; public pressure helped, say local execs

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A kidnapped school principal was freed by her abductors in Sumisip, Basilan, on Thursday afternoon, police said.

Freed was Betina Latonio, principal of the Manggal Elementary School, who was kidnapped by armed men while she was on her way to school on March 31.

Nuriya Jamaldin, the north district school supervisor, said the 62-year-old Latonio was released where she was taken, in the village of Libug in Sumisip.

“She was just sitting along the streets,” Jamaldin said.

Jamaldin said that a day after Latonio was abducted, kidnappers demanded a P3-million ransom. She said negotiators told the kidnappers that residents of Sumisip and soldiers would march to the kidnappers’ lair if Latonio was not freed.

Senior Supt. Mario Dapilloza, Basilan police chief, said the release at 5 p.m. was made possible “through the concerted effort of Sumisip Crisis Management Committee led by Mayor Gulam Hataman.”

Latonio was immediately brought to the Municipal Social Welfare Office.

“She is very weak and could hardly walk. She needs immediate medical attention,” Dapilloza said.

Latonio is diabetic, according to Jamaldin.

“She is partially blind and the absence of her medication for three days and three nights aggravated her condition,” Jamaldin added.

Latonio, a native of Talisayan village in Zamboanga City, has been serving in the public school of Sumisip for over 30 years now. She was a teacher of ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman.