Gunmen release captive businessman in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - A coffee shop owner,  held captive by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants for about a month, was freed unharmed Monday night in Patikul, Sulu following negotiations, according to a security official.

The victim Renato Yanga alias Reneboy, 50, was secretly released to his family about 11 p.m. Monday following negotiations led  Jolo councilor Luis Go, also the chief of the Jolo Chinese Chamber of Commerce and Industry (JCCCI).

Yanga is the owner of the Top Spot Coffee Shop.

There was no immediate confirmation if ransom was paid in exchange for the release of Yanga who was abducted last April 20 dawn while opening his coffee shop in the downtown of Jolo.

It was the second time that Yanga was abducted after the victim was also taken a few years back and subsequently released.

Meanwhile, two construction workers were also released Tuesday. They were held captive for a day in the hinterlands of Patikul, Sulu.

Hadji Sali Espada, truck mixer driver, and his helper, a certain Dimar,  who were seized Monday afternoon were released about 1 p.m. Tuesday at the Circumferential Road, Patikul town.

The two were freed without ransom.

The construction workers  were given stress debriefing before they were reunited with their families. - Roel Pareño