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ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews / 30 October) – Suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf released Wednesday the eight-year-old girl they abducted more than three months ago in Zamboanga Sibugay.
Released was Princess Jewel Mariel Nique, the daughter of businessman James Nique Jr., of Olutanga, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc, Armed Forces information officer, said in a text message that Nique was freed around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday at the wharf of Jolo, Sulu.
Cabunoc did not mention whether or not ransom was paid in exchange for the release of the child but it was earlier reported that there was a random demand.
The child, together with her family, arrived here Thursday and immediately went home to Olutanga town.
Nique was seized by five gunmen last July 25 in Barangay Solar in Olutanga.
The victim was at the family-owned eatery when three of the five gunmen grabbed her and rushed her to the shore where their two companions were waiting aboard a motorized banca that sped to the high seas.