Kidnappers release teacher after three months

Freed kidnap school teacher Cathy Mae Casipong reunites with school head Joy Malik. JULIE ALIPALA/Inquirer Mindanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Kidnappers have released a 23-year-old teacher from three months of captivity, officials said Wednesday.

Cathy Mae Casipong, a teacher at the Sibugtok Elementary School here, was reunited with her parents in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Tuesday night.

Casipong was abducted last December 18 while she was on her way to attend a World Teachers Day celebration.

Pedro Melchor Natividad, the city’s superintendent of schools, said Casipong was released to her parents at 7:46 p.m. Tuesday.

Colonel Ignacio Obligacion, commander of the 102nd Army Brigade based in Ipil, said Casipong was “OK” when brought to the headquarters.

“Her parents said she lost weight,” Obligacion said.

Obligacion refused, however, to give details on how the teacher was released.

“What is important is that she is now with her parents and we are looking forward to hear her side maybe after 15 days of rest,” he said.

Mayor Maria Isabelle Climaco-Salazar said no ransom was paid in exchange for Casipong’s release.

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