2 Filipinos among 24 medics released by Yemeni abductors

MANILA, Philippines - Two Filipinos who were among 24 doctors and nurses abducted by tribesmen in Yemen have been released, reports said on Saturday.

An Associated Press report said that the health workers – one Egyptian, two Indians, two Filipinos, and 19 Yemenis – of the Saudi-funded Salam Hospital in Saada were freed early Friday after kidnappers were assured that their demands would be met.

But a separate report by the Yemen News Agency quoted the governor of Amran, where the medics were seized, as saying that they were released “without any condition." The tribesmen held their hostages for 24 hours.

Amran Governor Kahlan Abu Shawarib also said that the victims are all in good health and are currently staying at the Saada governorate.

Tribesmen in Yemen frequently take foreigners hostage to pressure the government on a range of demands, but generally release them unharmed. The report did not specify any of the tribesmen’s demand in the latest kidnapping.

Abu Shawarib said that such acts are “condemned" by all Yemenis because it disagrees with Islam and Yemeni customs. - Kimberly Jane T. Tan, GMANews.TV

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