Cotabato, Philippines (ANTARA News/Xinhua-OANA) - Gunmen released on Sunday their two government teachers hostages in the restive southern Philippines, an official announced on Monday.

The victims, Keno Sanchez and Rene Sumagang, employees of Limunsudan Bayug Falls Elementary school in the southern city of Iligan, were freed by their captors in nearby Marawi City, Iligan councilor Ariel Anghay said.

Anghay said the teachers were unharmed and there were no ransom money payoff in exchange for their freedom.

The kidnappers, led by a certain Mangagao Elias, also known Commander Ayatola, earlier demanded 93,023 U.S. dollars before they would release their captives.

On March 19, the victims were heading home on board a motorbike when gunmen forcibly took them at gunpoint.

(C003)

Editor: Ella Syafputri
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