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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/24 December) – A businesswoman kidnapped here four months ago was freed in Sulu Wednesday, Christmas Eve.
Released was Michelle Panes, 36, who was abducted allegedly by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf evening of August 18 from the family-owned grocery in Barangay Labuan, 36 kilometers west of this city.
Col. Alan Arrojado, Joint Task Group Sulu commander, said Panes was released at around 9 a.m. in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.
Arrojado said a civilian found Panes and brought her to the Joint Task Group Sulu headquarters in nearby Jolo, where she underwent medical check-up.
The armed men were allegedly after Panes’ husband, Noel, 34. But Noel resisted while he was being dragged into a motorized banca at the shore of Labuan. They then decided to bring his wife, Michelle.
Noel reportedly tried to rescue his wife, but failed.
Arrojado said Panes would be flown to the city to reunite with her family. (MindaNews)
