ZAMBOANGA: Philippine troops rescued a man who was held captive by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants after he managed to escape during a gunbattle, the military said on Thursday (Oct 1).
Regional military commander Lt Gen Corleto Vinluan Jr said troops rescued Rex Triplitt on Wednesday after his abductors fled during the clash in the hinterlands of Sirawai town in southern Zamboanga del Norte province.
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Triplitt was taken to a clinic in Sirawai for a checkup, he said. A picture provided by the military showed a weary looking Triplitt holding a bottle of water and posing with government forces.
Triplitt is the Filipino son of an American who lived in a farming community in Sirawai. He was kidnapped there on Sep 16 while riding a motorcycle with his wife and son on their way home.
The gunmen left behind his wife and son, who reported the abduction, police said last month. He has been variously described as a farmer and a businessman who buys and sells land for a living.
Army troops received a tipoff from villagers about the presence of five armed men in a remote village in Sirawai and launched a raid, military officials said.
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“When the five engaged with the operating troops, Mr Triplitt found an opportunity to hide and ask for help,” Maj Gen Generoso Ponio said.
The abductors belonged Read More – Source
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