Kidnapped Yemeni freed

N E W S B R I E F S

02/09/2010

After more than a week in captivity, a Yemeni was released yesterday by his abductors in Lanao del Sur province.

Through the efforts of local officials in the area, Najib Al Odaini, 34, a member of the Markazoss Habab Al Muslim Filfilibbin Inc. or Muslim Youth Center in the Philippines, was released by his kidnappers at around 3 a.m. along the boundaries of Talakag town, Bukidnon province and Tagoloan II town in Lanao del Sur province.

Odaini was abducted by more or less six armed men who disguised themselves as policemen last Jan. 29 along the national road in Barangay Matampay, Marawi City.

Brig. Gen. Rey Ardo, Army 103rd Brigade commander, said the safe release of Odaini came as a result of police and military search and rescue operations complemented by a series of negotiations under the guidance of the crisis management committee led by local executives and religious leaders in Lanao del Sur.

Ardo particularly cited the efforts of Rep. Faisah Dumarpa, of the 1st District of Lanao del Sur, in facilitating the release of Odaini.

Dumarpa reportedly appealed to the kidnappers to free him as the Muslim missionary has been instrumental in charitable works in the province like in the construction of mosques and in aiding educational institutions.

Shortly after his release, Odaini was immediately brought to Cagayan de Oro City to undergo physical check-up. Authorities said he was found in good physical condition. Mario J. Mallari and Gerry Baldo

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