Zamboanga City – A Filipina held hostage by a notorious kidnapping-for-ransom gang was released from captivity Thursday night, a week after her Canadian boyfriend was beheaded by the gunmen. Marites Flor was released at about 8 p.m. Thursday outside the house of Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan in Jolo, local police chief Wilfredo Cayat said. Incoming presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza told Agence France-Presse that he negotiated with the kidnappers on behalf of incoming President Rodrigo R. Duterte to facilitate Flor’s release. FREE AT LAST – After nine months in captivity, Filipina Marites Flor (in striped shirt) is shown behind President-elect Rodrigo R. Duterte (left) Monday in Davao City, after she was released Thursday night by the Abu Sayyaf in Jolo, Sulu. Also in photo during the Davao City Police Office (DCPO) turnover of command ceremony are (from right) Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Special Assistant to the President Christopher Go [...]
