(UPDATE) Teacher kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf freed in Sulu
MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A teacher kidnapped by members of the rebel group Abu Sayyaf was released in Sulu this morning, a military official said.
Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, civil military operations officer of the 2nd Marine Brigade, said Alrashid Jahang, a teacher from the Tagbili Elementary School, was released 17 hours after he was kidnapped in Patikul town in Sulu province.
Jahang was nabbed by at least 11 Abu Sayyaf men at around 4 p.m. on Wednesday in Liang village in Patikul town.
The kidnappers were led by Aljini Mundoc, alias Ninok Sapari. Jahang was flagged down by the Abu Sayyaf while he was on his way to Jolo town aboard a motorcycle.
Lacuesta said Jahang's relatives and local government officials negotiated with the Abu Sayyaf through the relatives of the kidnappers.
The military, however, would not confirm whether the family of the victim paid a ransom.
A number of hostages are still being held by the group, including a couple, both employees of the water district Jolo town in Sulu who were seized at gunpoint.
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