Public school teacher released by ASG bandits in Jolo

ABU SAYYAF GROUP (Photo courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA — Military pressures brought about by Joint Task Group Sulu forced the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits to release a public school teacher they were holding captive shortly after midnight Saturday.

Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, identified the victim as Russel Bagonoc.

The former was freed by the bandits in Jolo where he was found and subsequently turned over by a concerned citizen to the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Barangay Busbus.

“The said release is a result of a continuing intensive- focused military operations by Joint Task Group Sulu in the province,” Arrojado said.

He added that the continued military operations pressured the ASG to release their victim.

“At present, the released kidnap victim is now undergoing medical check-up at KHTB station hospital and debriefing by the 2nd Marine Brigade,” Arrojado said.

The military said Bagonoc and his sister, Reynadeth Bagonoc-Silvano, also a teacher, were seized by the ASG in Barangay Moalboal, Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay last March 15.

The two were on their way to Tuburan Elementary School when snatched by the bandit group. Silvano was freed by the ASG two months later.

Earlier reports said that the ASG was demanding PhP10 million for the safe release of the two public elementary school teachers.