Two Filipinos released after eight months in captivity

February 05, 2013

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MANILA, Philippines – Two Filipino television crew members were released Saturday (February 2nd) after nearly eight months of captivity at the hands of Abu Sayyaf extremists, AFP reported.

Two freed Filipino hostages -- audio technician Roland "Buboy" Letriro (left) and cameraman Ramil Vela -- are treated at the provincial hospital in Jolo, Mindanao Island on Sunday (February 3rd) after their release by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. The men had spent eight months in captivity. [AFP]

Looking frail, audio technician Roland "Buboy" Letriro and cameraman Ramil Vela were released on Jolo Island where they had been held since June of last year, regional police chief Noel delos Reyes said.

Delos Reyes said there was "no word" on the fate or whereabouts of Jordanian journalist Bakr Atyani, of the Dubai-based Al Arabiya network. All three were captured together in jungle terrain by the terror group, which has been linked to al-Qaeda. The two Filipinos say they were separated from Atyani less than a week later.

According to officials, the two had travelled with Atyani to Jolo Island after he hired them in Manila to film the terrorists. They went missing a day after they arrived.