ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Apr. 27, 2014) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants have freed two mining workers after almost a year in captivity in the southern Philippines, reports said.
It said Marcial Espana and Eddie Reubal, who were freed in the town of Patikul in Sulu province, arrived on a ferry in Zamboanga City over the weekend. The two men were seized in May last year in Tawi-Tawi province while working for SR Languyan Mining Corporation and brought to Sulu.
Espana and Reubal were on a boat when gunmen on another vessel seized them along with Mar Hadjula, who was later freed.
It was unknown if ransom was paid to the kidnappers for the freedom of the two workers. Security officials and mining executives have not issued any statement about the release of the duo.
Local environmentalists are opposing the nickel ore mining project of SR in Languyan town. Most of the nickel ore are being shipped to China.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding several hostages, including at least 3 foreigners, in the restive southern region. (Mindanao Examiner)
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