Police rescue three daughters of MNLF leader

ZAMBOANGA, Philippines (Xinhua) -- Police in southern Philippines rescued three abducted daughters of a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Sunday night in Basilan province, police said Monday.

Police Chief Inspector Almer Ismael said the victims Hudjaima, 24; Raida, 14; and Karima, 13, all surnamed Ahlil, and daughters of MNLF leader Hassan Addang, were recovered at the village of Matibay in Lamitan City.

The victims, who were abducted Tuesday last week, were immediately brought to the local hospital for medical check-up and will be presented to their father in the village of Bohe Lebung, Tipo-Tipo town.

The police said with the release of the victims, they were expecting that the remaining villagers held captive by the group of Addang would be set free.

The group of Addang seized at least 12 villagers of Tipo-Tipo town Thursday in retaliation for the abduction of his daughters.

Addang released subsequently three of their captives, mostly minors, and were open on the swap of his daughters' freedom.

The police said the abduction stemmed from the long-standing disputes of land between Addang and a certain armed group in Tipo- Tipo town, which aggravated by previous shooting of followers on both sides.