Police: Boy kidnapped in Zambo Sibugay released

A nine-year-old boy who was kidnapped last March in Zamboanga Sibugay province in Mindanao was released before dawn Thursday, police said. In a radio interview, Western Mindanao police chief Director Felicisimo Khu said the boy was released at about 2:40 a.m. in Zamboanga Sibugay. "Ni-release siya 2:40 a.m. ng kidnappers (His kidnappers released him at about 2:40 a.m.)," Khu said in an interview on dzBB radio. But when asked if ransom was paid for the boy's release, Khu said they have no details about it. Citing initial reports reaching him, he said the kidnappers initially demanded P25 million but lowered the demand to P10 million. Khu said he has yet to talk to the boy or his parents. On the other hand, he said his men are zeroing in on a kidnap-for-ransom group led by one Wahid Pingli, which he hinted has ties with the Abu Sayyaf. "Mahabang negotiation ito, pinasa ang bata sa Abu Sayyaf sa Basilan (It was a long negotiation. The group passed the boy to the Abu Sayyaf)," he said. He said the kidnappers also released videos of the boy, with the videos indicating the boy was still healthy but crying. In some videos, he said the boy was made to read a script, while in others the boy was made to hold an Armalite rifle. — RSJ, GMA News