Philippines: Militants free Filipino businessman

By Hader Glang

ZAMBOANGA CITY, the Philippines (AA) – The Philippines’ military confirmed Wednesday that Daesh-affiliated militants freed a businessman from an indigenous tribe in the Muslim south who was held captive for almost a year.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., Western Mindanao Command spokesman, said in a statement that Araji Maani was released in the morning in Parang town in the island province of Sulu -- an Abu Sayyaf stronghold.

Maani, who hails from the Tausug tribe, was kidnapped July 27, 2015 in the predominantly Christian city of Zamboanga.

Tan did not comment on whether a ransom had been paid for Maani’s release, which came as Muslims across the country celebrated the Eid al-Fitr holiday marking the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

He did reveal, however, that Maani received counseling from Joint Task Force Sulu and other law enforcement before he was turned over to his family.

Tan insisted that the military had intensified its operations to pressure the Abu Sayyaf to release their remaining captives, believed to include nine foreigners -- a Dutch birdwatcher, a Norwegian and seven Indonesian sailors -- and three Filipinos.

Last month, the group released a Filipina who was kidnapped from Samal Island in September alongside Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and two Canadians -- both of whom were beheaded in Sulu earlier this year.

On Monday, Abu Sayyaf spokesman Muammar Askali -- alias Abu Rami -- told a local radio station the group had placed a temporary stay of execution on Sekkingstad after an emissary of presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza called to negotiate.

He reiterated, however, that they would behead Sekkingstad if the government does not responded to a P300-million ($6 million) ransom demand.

Since 1991, the Abu Sayyaf -- armed with mostly improvised explosive devices, mortars and automatic rifles -- has carried out bombings, kidnappings, assassinations and extortions in a self-determined fight for an independent province in the Philippines.

It is notorious for beheading victims after ransoms have failed to be paid for their release.