By AARON B. RECUENCO
The two policewomen abducted in Sulu late last month have been released by their captors noon yesterday, police said.
Director General Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), has confirmed this, saying the captives’ release was made possible through negotiations initiated by local government officials as with community leaders.
“They were released to the people close to Governor Sakur Tan,” said Albayalde.
The two cops, identified as PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, were abducted April 29 by heavily armed men along with two male companions identified as Jackosalem Blas and Faizal Ahidji in Patikul.
Ahidji was released May 7, while Blas was freed a few days later.
It is not clear if ransom was paid for the freedom of the abductees.
It was reported earlier the kidnappers were asking at least R5 million for the two policewomen.
Albayalde would rather not comment on the matter maintaining negotiators aimed for the unconditional release of the two cops.
