ONE OF the two civilians abducted with two police officers in Patikul, Sulu was released by the notorious Abu Sayyaf Group on May 5, according to Police Regional Director Graciano J. Mijares of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao. The freed hostage, Faizal Ahidji, said he was blindfolded and left by the abductors in a forested area in Bangkal Village. He proceeded to the house of his grandmother in Jolo, Sulu, who then brought him to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu on May 7. Mr. Ahidji said the three other hostages, including Police Officer 2 (PO2) Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, were unharmed the last time he saw them with about 12 fully armed Abu Sayyaf members. — Minde Nyl R. dela Cruz

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