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Abu Sayyaf releases female hostage in southern Philippines

Terror group still holding several foreign and Filipino hostages
Abu Sayyaf releases female hostage in southern Philippines
Published: May 14, 2015 07:20 AM GMT
Updated: May 13, 2015 08:20 PM GMT

Abu Sayyaf terrorists in the southern Philippine province of Sulu have released a female teacher abducted from Zamboanga Sibugay province two months ago.

Reynadeth Bagonoc Silvano, 31, from Talusan, was freed in the town of Jolo on Thursday morning.

Silvano and her brother, Russel Bagonoc, 22, were abducted on March 5 while they were on their way to work. 

Russel Bagonoc remains an Abu Sayyaf hostage.

Colonel Allan Arrojado, commander of the military's Joint Task Group Sulu, said Silvano was not harmed during her captivity.

"She has no injuries. She looked healthy, except that she lost weight," Arrojado told reporters. He quoted Silvano saying that other hostages "were doing nothing but eating and sleeping".

During her captivity, Silvano said she saw another female hostage but was not able to talk to her.

Arrojado said Abu Sayyaf released Silvano to ease military pressure as "law enforcement operations" continue to rescue other hostages held by the terror group.

Abu Sayyaf is still holding several foreign and local hostages in Sulu province, including Dutch national Elwood Horn, and Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga town in Zamboanga Sibugay province.

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