Kidnapped Surigao trader released

BUTUAN CITY, Philippines – Businessman and former Carrascal mayor Victor Lim Tan has been released following the payment of an undisclosed amount as ransom, Surigao del Norte Gov. Johnny Pimentel said yesterday.

Tan, 67, was released at around 10 a.m. yesterday by his abductors, who remain unidentified, “and is finally reunited with his family after a concerted effort” of the Philippine National Police and the local government officials of Surigao del Sur, according to a press release issued by Pimentel’s office.

The kidnappers earlier demanded a P70-million ransom in exchange for Tan's freedom.

A report of the Caraga police office said Tan, manager of Carrascal Integrated Enterprise was kidnapped on May 21 when he was working at his firm’s construction site at Catupgas Bridge 1 and 2.

The Lanuza police office said Julius Arco Arnego, 21, personal driver of the victim, reported the kidnapping 12 hours after the incident.

A source said negotiators convinced the kidnappers to lower the ransom to P10 million.

Tan was also abducted in 1997 in Barangay Diatagon in Surigao del Sur but released after several months in captivity.