Kidnapped gas station owner, aide released

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – Suspected members of the breakaway Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) released on Wednesday afternoon a 70-year-old gasoline station operator and her secretary, who were kidnapped in Libungan, North Cotabato last week. 

North Cotabato Gov. Emmylou Taliño-Mendoza confirmed yesterday that the victims, Alma Cuan and her secretary Cristabelle Joloran, were already safe.

“They are now in the custody of their families,” Taliño-Mendoza said in a text message.

The governor thanked those who helped facilitate the release of the two victims who, according to earlier reports, were brought by their kidnappers to Datu Odin Sinsuat town in Maguindanao. – Edith Regalado, John Unson