ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines 鈥� Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen freed on Thursday evening a businessman they kidnapped in Sulu, the police said Friday.
Chief Superintendent Felicisimo Khu, chief of the police directorate for integrated operations in Western Mindanao, said Nelson Lim, identified as Chinese-Filipino and owner of Panciteria Resto and Hardware, was handed over to Jolo Mayor Edsir Tan in an undisclosed location around 11:30 p.m.
He said relatives also confirmed Lim鈥檚 release but there was no information about ransom being paid or not.
Lim was abducted by heavily armed men from his store in Jolo on April 29.
The Abu Sayyaf, a self-styled band of Islamists, has gained notoriety because of its high-profile kidnappings. Among the group鈥檚 recent victims in Sulu were a Malaysian gecko trader and a visiting Indian national.
Original posted: 10:38 am | Friday, July 22nd, 2011