Abu Sayyaf frees construction worker

ISABELA CITY, Basilan , Philippines  – Suspected Abu Sayyaf men released unharmed its remaining captive, a worker of a US-funded project in Sulu, Friday night, the military official.

The victim, Raja Halud, a laborer of a local contracting firm, was released to village officials in Barangay Kapuk Punggol, Maimbung town at around 7:30 p.m. Friday allegedly without ransom.

Halud and a companion Jalal Ali, were kidnapped last Monday by Abu Sayyaf bandits who torched their dump truck in Barangay Lunggang. Ali was subsequently released last Wednesday noon.

Lt. Steffani Cacho, spokesman of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command, said the two were freed following negotiations by local leaders.

The two workers were among those hired by a local construction company contracted to build the six-kilometer road funded by the US military stationed in Jolo.

The military has intensified security at construction sites of ongoing government projects such as roads, schools and health centers in Sulu.