LUMBAYANAGUE, Lanao del Sur -- Four of the six sawmill workers abducted by alleged local terrorists on April 4 were released Sunday evening, April 10, a military official said.
Army Colonel Roseller Murillo, 103rd Brigade commander, said the release was a product of negotiations between Army officials and the bandits through intermediaries.
The released victims were identified as Julito Janobas, Gabriel Permites, Adones Mendez and Alfredo Canoos.
"Na-release sila dahil wala silang kasalanan at walang kinalaman sa nakaraaang enkwentro laban sa militar nuong Marso," Murillo said.
Murillo said the workers’ two companions -- Salvador Petmites and Jemarc Permites -- are still being held after they were suspected as military informants.
"The four rescued kidnap victims were brought to Aniza Gunda, owner of the sawmill, and coordinated with Butig Mayor Ibrahim Macadatu’" Murillo said.
The four workers were later taken to a hospital in Marawi City for a medical checkup.
Murillo said there have been reports that the two have been executed by their captors but the military are still verifying these.
The six were seized by a local-based terrorist group headed by the so-called Maute brothers, who is reported to have ties with the Jemaah Islamiyah.