-
Senior Supt. Robert Kiunisala, South Cotabato police director, said that Gilbert Rey Cardiño, Bayan Muna coordinator in Central Mindanao, was released in Barangay New Panganisan here.
Cardiño failed to appear at the press conference today and was reported undergoing medical observation. Cardino was reportedly mauled by his abductors.
“He was reunited with his family and in fine condition,” Kiunisala said.
South Cotabato Gov. Daisy Avance Fuentes and Fr. Romeo Catedral, social action director of the Diocese of Marbel, met the victim following his release, the police official said.
Fuentes said the victim appeared to be traumatized and could not talk. "The doctors decided to give him a rest because it seems he have no food and sleep for two days," she told reporters.
Fuentes claimed it was the "second time in the country that an abducted militant leader was freed."
About five men, some reportedly wearing shirts with police markings, forced the victim into a white van on Wednesday at the boundary of Barangays Sto. Nino and New Pangasinan here.
Kiunisala said the police would still conduct an investigation despite the victim’s safe release.