Two female cops taken by Abu Sayyaf released unharmed in Sulu – Albayalde

The two policewomen abducted last month in Sulu have been freed by their captors unharmed, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Dir. Gen. Oscar Albayalde said Wednesday.

Albayalde said Police Officer (PO) 2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad are now in the custody of Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Mahail Tan’s men and are on their way to his residence.

“Yes as we speak now this afternoon, earlier this noon ang sabi ng regional director ay narelease na at nasa mga tauhan na ng Gov. Sakur Tan yung dalawang babae and on their way now doon sa residence ng governor at irerelease sila kay provincial director doon,” Albayalde said in an interview.

The police chief said authorities, with the help from the governor, negotiated for the policewomen’s release.

“Most probably, yes sa tingin ko paparating na yung ramadan siguro kaya na-release na yung mga pulis dun,” Albayalde said, adding that operations against the group may have also helped in the release.

Alvarez and Gumahad, along with two others were kidnapped in Patikul, Sulu ln April 29 by 11 armed men believed to be members of an Abu Sayyaf splinter group led by a certain Mujir Yada.

The abductors then demanded P5-million in exchange for the release of the hostages, Albayalde has said.

According to reports from the military, the police officers and the two others had just left Camp Teodulfo Bautista aboard a tricycle when they were abducted in Barangay Liang.

Alvarez and Gumahad will undergo medical treatment and debriefing once settled, Albayalde said.

He said police would continuously conduct offensives against the group.    /muf