ILIGAN CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 26, 2012) – Kidnappers freed two government teachers in the southern Philippine province, security officials said, adding no ransom was paid for their freedom.
Colonel Daniel Lucero, commander of the 1st Infantry Division’s 103rd Infantry Brigade and head of an army anti-terror task force, said the victims – Rene Somadang and Tino Sanchez – were released by gunmen headed by Mangagao Elias to Tagoloan town Mayor Mizangcad Capal late Sunday.
He said kidnappers freed the hostages due to mounting pressure from military and police operation in the province.
“No ransom was paid and the release was due to our continuing operations. The operation has not ended and we will see to it that the kidnappers will face the bar of justice. They have made a disgrace to the people of Lanao del Sur who are exerting efforts to bring a good name to the province and Maranao community,” Lucero told the Mindanao Examiner.
The kidnappers had originally demanded P4 million ransoms in exchange for the safe release of the teachers. Lucero said they have dispatched troops to track down the kidnappers.
Elias did not give details of the release of the hostages, but Lucero said the two men were taken to hospital for medical check up and handed over to Iligan Mayor Lawrence Cruz.
The two teachers were abducted on March 19 in Iligan City while on their way to Limonsudan Elementary School. (Mindanao Examiner)
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