- Former Italian priest Rolando del Torchio was released by his Abu Sayyaf captors
- Del Torchio’s family reportedly paid millions in ransom for his freedom
- The ex-priest was recovered in Jolo inside a boat bound for Zamboanga
- He was in poor health condition when found and was taken to a military hospital for treatment
Former Italian missionary priest, Rolando del Torchio, was freed by his captors, the Abu Sayyaf Group, reportedly after his family paid millions in ransom.
It was not clear how much ransom was paid as two conflicting reports gave two different figures. A Philstar article by Jaime Laude and Roel Pareño said P130 million was reportedly paid by Del Torchio’s family, while an Inquirer article by Julie Alipala said that according to a reliable source, P29 million was paid in exchange for the victim’s freedom.
Del Torchio was kidnapped on October 7 last year inside his restaurant, Ur Choice Bistro Pizza located along Quezon Avenue, Barangay Miputak in downtown Dipolog City in Zamboanga del Norte, by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group who posed as customers.
Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla, AFP spokesperson, confirmed that the Italian was recovered around 7:30 p.m. on Friday, April 8, at the port of Jolo inside M/V KC Beatrice bound for Zamboanga City by elements of Sulu Police Regional Office led by Senior Superintendent Wilfredo Cayat backed by the Coast Guard, maritime police, the Anti-Kidnapping Group and Joint Task Force Sulu.
Del Torchio was in poor health condition when found. He was taken to the AFP Trauma Center for treatment.
Post a Comment