ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A 73-year-old Korean businessman has been freed in Lanao del Sur after 10 days in captivity, a security official said yesterday.
Noui Hong-sung was recovered around 11 p.m. on Tuesday near a police detachment in Barangay Pawak, Saguiran town, Capt. Frank Suelto, spokesman for the Army’s 1st Infantry Division, said.
Suelto said policemen were conducting pursuit operations against the kidnappers when they spotted the victim.
It was not immediately known if ransom was paid, but unconfirmed reports said the kidnappers directly negotiated with the family of the victim.
The Korean was kidnapped in R.T. Lim town in Zamboanga Sibugay last Jan. 24.
Suelto said Noui was turned over to Inspector Mike Duran of the Anti-Kidnapping Group Mindanao for debriefing.
The victim was reunited with his family in Iligan City.