Kidnapped Bakery Owner Rescued In Zamboanga City

Policemen escort suspected kidnappers of a Filipino bakery owner Eliseo Hablo who was rescued Tuesday, February 10, 2009 in Zamboanga City. Hablo was kidnapped January 8 in Zamboanga City where his captors demanded P20 million ransom. (Mindanao Examiner Photo / Jung Francisco)

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Feb. 10, 2009) – Police forces rescued Tuesday a kidnapped bakery owner and arrested six people in a daring raid at a hideout in Zamboanga City.

Police said Eliseo Hablo, a bakery owner, was rescued near the village of Upper Calarian where six of his captors were also captured. Hablo looked haggard and frail as policemen whisked him to a vehicle after the daring rescue.

Senior Supt. Mario Yanga, chief of the local police force, led the rescue operation, according to Insp. Ibrahim Jambiran. “Mr Hablo was finally rescued. We are glad this is over,” Jambiran said.

Hablo, 44, was reported missing on January 8 after he failed to return home. His van was later found abandoned near the village of San Roque. Hablo was also reported to have been taken by his captors to Basilan province and being held by Moro Islamic Liberation Front rebels.

Basilan officials even confirmed the reports and said Hablo is being held by rebels under Usman Lidjal. The kidnappers had demanded P20-million ransom. (Mindanao Examiner)