THE Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) has released the wife of the militiaman that they had kidnapped together more than a month ago in a coastal town in Zamboanga del Norte following payment of ransom, the police said.

Helen Roda, wife of Rufo, was freed by the group of ASG sub-leaders Mujer Yadah and Injam Yadah around 2:30 p.m. Thursday in Anuling village, Patikul, Sulu following alleged payment of P1 million ransom.

The Sulu Provincial Police Office said the ransom was reportedly delivered by two unidentified negotiators who at the same time accompanied Helen to Zamboanga City aboard a commercial ferry.

Helen and her husband were seized on August 31 by five Abu Sayyaf bandits following a firefight in coastal village of Piacan, Sirawai town, Zamboanga del Norte.

Six people, including a militiaman, were killed while a child was wounded in the clash that broke out when the militiamen responded to the reported arrival of five gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms.

Rufo, a militiaman, was freed on October 18 following alleged payment of P1.2 million ransom.

The release of Helen has brought down to six the number of hostages who are still in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.

The remaining hostages included two foreigners--one Dutch and one Vietnamese--and four Filipinos. (SunStar Philippines)