Davao City Police Office, Camp Domingo E. Leonor, Davao City
24 June 2016

Incoming Office of the Presidential Adviser on the Peace Process (OPAPP) Secretary Jesus Dureza accompanied Marites Flor who was released by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) on Friday, June 24.

The 38-year old Filipina arrived in the house of former Vice Governor Sakur Tan and was escorted by Dureza to the Davao City Police Office in Camp Domingo E. Leonor where she confirmed her status to her parents through a phone call.

During his speech in the change of command ceremony at the Davao City Police Office, President-elect Rodrigo Roa Duterte announced the release of Flor.

“’Yung kidnapping nila (the Abu Sayyaf) must stop. It has given us the bad image… We are able to negotiate for the release of Marites Flor,” Duterte said.

Meanwhile, Flor expressed relief and gratitude to those who have been part of her release.

“Sa ngayon, okay ako kasi nakauwi akong buhay at gusto ko lang magpasalamat sa mga tumulong – kay Sir Jess Dureza, kay Governor Sakur Tan, sa bagong elected president natin na si President Rodrigo Duterte,” Flor said.

Flor was kidnapped by the ASG along with the Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Canadians Robert Hall and John Ridsdel. They were held as hostages for nine months since September last year.

*  *  *