Abus free Chinese trader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits released on Wednesday night a businesswoman they held captive for a month in Patikul, Sulu. 

Hadja Dingkim Yap, 58, a pawnshop operator based in Jolo, was abandoned by her captors in a village in Patikul town at about 6:30 p.m.

The victim’s husband and relatives met her near the Chinese Pier village of Jolo and they took a ferry to this city. They arrived at dawn yesterday.

The victim, who had insect bites, was brought to a private hospital for checkup. The family refused to be interviewed by journalists for security reasons.

Yap was snatched by six armed men near her shop in Barangay Chinese Pier on Feb. 15.

Police and military authorities cannot confirm whether the family paid ransom for the victim. The kidnappers demanded P15 million for her release. 

A relative of the victim told journalists that the family did not pay ransom, saying the kidnapper took pity on the woman.

Yap said they moved hideouts several times, particularly after her captors heard gunfire.