ZAMBOANGA CITY (Mindanao Examiner / Nov. 26, 2011) – Kidnappers freed two remaining Korean hostages late Saturday in the southern Philippine province of Lanao del Norte, a security spokesman said.
“The two remaining Korean hostages have been released in Salvador
Cabangbang did not give any details about the release of Wu Seok-bung and Kim Nam-du, but both hostages were freed in the village of Calimudan
“The two remaining Koreans were released already at the same vicinity in Salvador
It was unknown who fetched the duo or if ransoms had been paid to the kidnappers, who originally demanded P50 million for their safe release.
Choi, who was suffering from ulcer, had been brought to hospital in Iligan City
The Koreans were seized October 21 while scouting for mining opportunities in Lanao del Sur province
A photo obtained by the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner showed the frail Korean, sporting a mustache and beard, sitting in a vehicle shortly after he was recovered by security forces in Calimudan village.
No group has claimed responsibility for the kidnappings, but authorities have tagged Anwar Bilao, alias Anu, as the leader of the gang holding the Koreans. The kidnappers have demanded P50 million ransoms for the safe release of the remaining hostages.
It was not immediately known whether ransom was paid for the freedom of Choi.
The Korean embassy in Manila
20