Principal abducted in Basilan released

A school principal who was abducted in Basilan province last November finally regained her freedom late Tuesday, but authorities were mum on whether ransom was paid for her release. Radio dzBB's Sam Nielsen cited initial reports reaching Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao police head Chief Superintendent Bienvenido Latag that Cecilia Sosas was released at about 9 p.m. Tuesday. Unidentified armed men abducted Sosas, a principal of Baas Elementary School, last Nov. 15. They demanded a P1-million ransom for her release. Sosas' family had said they could not raise the money. Latag said Sosas' release was the result of a joint effort of the province's crisis management committee, Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response, and provincial police. — LBG/RSJ, GMANews.TV