ZAMBOANGA CITY: Abu Sayyaf militants have freed a Filipino construction foreman after nearly two months in captivity in the southern Philippines, local government officials said. Officials said Remigio Lingayan, a resident of Zamboanga City, was freed over the weekend in the village of Bunot in Indanan town. Lingayan, accompanied by policemen, was immediately flown to Zamboanga City and welcomed by Mayor Maria Isabelle Salazar at the Philippine Air Force base. Salazar thanked Vice Gov. Sakur Tan of Sulu for helping in the safe release of Lingayan. Salazar previously sought Tan’s assistance in recovering Lingayan, who was earlier reported beheaded.
