1 of 3 kidnappers of Swiss national killed in clash

One of at least three suspected kidnappers of rescued Swiss trader Carl Rieth was killed in an encounter with government troops in a coastal village of Zamboanga City early Thursday. Radio dzBB's Allan Gatus cited initial reports indicating the incident occurred in San Ramon village, while the three were waiting for a banca ride. Chief Superintendent Francisco Cristobal, head of a task force hunting down the kidnappers, said some of his operatives chanced on the suspects at the area during a pursuit operation. He said the suspects fired on the government operatives, prompting them to return fire, adding that two of the suspects managed to escape. Cristobal on Wednesday said Rieth was "rescued" while his abductors were moving him to another area at about 3 a.m. [See: Troops rescue abducted Fil-Swiss trader in Zamboanga City] A report on dzXL radio said Rieth was being brought to Labuan village, a coastal area in Zamboanga City, when police "rescued" him. Cristobal also insisted no ransom was paid for Rieth's release, even as earlier reports hinted his abductors demanded P20 million for his freedom. Last April 4, armed men abducted Rieth while he was visiting his seaside vacation house in Patalon village in Zamboanga City. — LBG, GMANews.TV