Kidnapped nursing grad in Zambo Sibugay freed

After more than two and a half months in captivity, a 21-year-old nursing graduate abducted in Zamboanga City was freed by her abductors Monday night. Philippine National Police (PNP) spokesman Chief Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr. said Maria Cris Cuartocruz was released to her mother at around 6:45 p.m. in Alicia town in Zamboanga Sibugay province. Cuartocruz was kidnapped last Dec. 14 at her residence along Kilometer 26, Sitio Busug at Barangay Manicahan in Zamboanga City. According to a Daily Zamboanga Times report, four armed suspects ransacked the room of the victim's mother, Elena. The assailants also shot dead her grandfather, a village watchman who tried to rescue her. Authorities did not say if ransom was paid for the Cuartocruz's release. An earlier investigation showed that the Cuartocruzes' house was located at the back of the house of one Benjamin Almonte, who himself was abducted in early February. Almonte has already been released. - Mark D. Merueñas/KBK, GMA News