Kidnap victim freed in Sulu

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (November 16, 2016)- After more than three months in captivity, kidnap victim Elmer Ybañez Romoc was released Monday by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in an undisclosed place in Jolo, Sulu, Southern Philippines, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon I. Tan Jr disclosed that Romoc boarded the M/V Bounty Cruiser from Jolo and was fetched by his family and personnel of the Anti-Kidnapping Group at the Zamboanga City wharf at 7:30am Tuesday.

Tan also said that Romoc and his son, Ricson, were abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group led by Adore Abdulla and Jaber Susukan in Barangay Kulisap, Payao, Zamboanga Sibugay on August 05, 2016.

Romoc was subsequently brought to the office of the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) for medical attention and custodial debriefing. His son, Ricson, is still in captivity, he added.

Intel monitoring and coordination with the AKG are currently being conducted by the Western Mindanao Command.