Abu Sayyaf’s Filipina captive freed in Sulu

MANILA – Marites Flor, one of the four hostages taken by Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) bandits during their attack in Samal Island last Sept. 21, is now in the hands of military authorities in Sulu.

This was confirmed by Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan Friday.

Flor, the girlfriend of beheaded Canadian citizen Robert Hall, is now at the custody of Joint Task Force Sulu as of noon.

Tan said Flor is now undergoing medical check-up and debriefing at the unit’s medical facility.

Hall was beheaded last June 13 while fellow Canadian John Ridsel was executed by the bandits last April after the Philippine and Canadian governments snubbed the ASG’s ransom demand.

It was still unknown on whether ransom was paid to secure Flor’s release. Still at the hands of the bandits is Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstand.

Initial reports indicated that Flor was freed 3 a.m. in front of the home of Sulu Gov. Sakur Tan in Busbus, Jolo.