Sayyaf gunmen release captive in Jolo

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - - Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed unharmed a fishing boat master patron in Jolo, capital town of Sulu province, reportedly after payment of still unspecified ransom, according to  a security official.

The victim Lucio Gonzales, master patron of the fishing boats of GMA and AMR fishing companies, was released Tuesday night in the downtown of Jolo.

The victim took a ferry and arrived Wednesday where he immediately went home to be reunited with his family at Barangay Cawit, west coast of this city.

The family confirmed the release and payment of unspecified ransom but declined to present the victim,  citing privacy and safety.

The gunmen, on board two pumpboats, intercepted the fishing boat where Gonzales was on board and seized him while in the waters of Lantawan town in Basilan last May 21 and sped toward the direction of  Sulu.

The kidnappers initially demanded P15-million, but eventually negotiated for a much lower amount which they declined to specify in exchange for the safe release of the victim.