Abducted school principal in Basilan freed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Abu Sayyaf militants released unharmed its captive school principal Thursday afternoon in a village in Sumisip town, Basilan, according to authorities.

The police said Benita Enriquez Latonio, 60, was freed at sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug about 5 p.m. following negoations conducted by the local officials of Sumisip and barangay leaders with the abductors led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik.

The victim was fetched by the barangay emissaries and immediately accompanied by the municipal social workers on board a military vehicle that took her to a hospital in Isabela City, Basilan for medical check up.

According to the police, the victim appeared to be weak and  could barely walk.

The police and military, however, could not say if money was paid in exchange for the release of Latonio, 60, Manggal Elementary School principal in Sumisip.

The abductors had demanded a P3-million ranson for her release.- Roel Pareño