Abu Sayyaf releases captive on Christmas Eve

MANILA, Philippines—The Abu Sayyaf Group released one of its captives in Sulu on Wednesday, Christmas Eve, the military said.

Colonel Restituto Padilla, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesman, said Michelle Panes, 37, was released by her captors around 9 a.m. in Bilaan in Talipao, Sulu.

“While implementing law enforcement operations, the (Joint Task Group Sulu) successfully saved kidnap victim Michelle Panes in Jolo, Sulu,” Colonel Allan Arrojado of JTG Sulu said.

Arrojado said Panes underwent documentation and medical check-up and will be transferred to Zamboanga City.

“The released kidnap victim is undergoing custodial debriefing,” Arrojado added.

However, it was not mentioned if ransom was paid for her release.

Panes was reported to have lost a lot of weight but is otherwise in good condition.

According to Padilla, Western Mindanao Commander, Lt. General Rustico Guerrero has directed her immediate transport to headquarters in Western Mindanao Command at Zamboanga City so she could be reunited with her family before Christmas Day.

Panes was abducted by the ASG on August 18 in Zamboanga and was immediately brought to Jolo Island following her abduction.

The military has launched an all-out law enforcement operations in Sulu after the release of German couple Viktor Okonek and Henrike Dielen for a reported ransom of P250 million.

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