THE Abu Sayyaf bandits have released the two policewomen they seized last April 29 in Sulu province after an alleged payment of P2.5-million ransom, an official said Wednesday, May 16.

Senior Superintendent Pablo Labra II, Sulu police director, said that Police Officer (PO) 3 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad were released at 10:15 a.m. and 6:45 p.m., respectively, on Tuesday “somewhere in Talipao” municipality.

Alvarez, who is from Isabela City, Basilan, is assigned with the Engineer Service Division under the Regional Logistics Office of the Police Regional Office-Zamboanga Peninsula.

Gumahad, who is undergoing a 45-day Criminal Investigation Course at Regional Special Training Unit-9, is assigned in Midsalip, Zamboanga del Sur.

Alvarez and Gumahad were kidnapped by the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Almujer Yadah on April 29 together with two others namely, Faizal Ahidji and Blas Jackosalim Ahamad, in Liang village, Patikul.

The victims were aboard a tricycle driven by Ahamad coming from Quezon Beach, one of the famous picnic grounds in Sulu, when the group of Yadah waylaid and seized them.

The Abu Sayyaf bandits have released Ahidji on May 5 at Sitio Daang Puti in Bangkal village, Patikul.

Joint Task Force Sulu forces rescued Ahamad on May 8 at Sitio Budjang in Lihbug Kabaw village, Panglima Estino town.

The policewomen have reunited with their respective families. (SunStar Philippines)