Kidnappers free Zambo fishpond operator's son

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Kidnappers with links to a “lost command” of Moro rebels freed a son of a fishpond operator following the payment of ransom in Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay before dawn last Saturday, police said.

The victim, 20-year-old Meljohn Auditor, son of a fishpond owner and barangay councilman, was released by his captors at around 3 a.m. Saturday in Bulawan village, Payao town, said Chief Superintendent Napoleon Estilles, Region 9 police director.

Estilles said authorities learned about the release when Auditor’s parents sought the help of special forces to fetch him in a bamboo area in Bulawan.

He said Auditor was able to contact his parents as his kidnappers gave him a cell phone.

Elements of the 16th Special Forces responded and immediately recovered Auditor.

Estilles cited information that Auditor’s parents paid an amount for “board and lodging” in exchange for the freedom of their son who was seized last March 11 in Sitio Palid, Barangay Magdaup, Ipil town.

Auditor was brought to the headquarters of the Army’s 102nd Infantry Brigade and later presented to the police which subjected him to a medical check-up.