Released kidnap victim Nuraldin Yusoph (third from left) is embraced by his father, Commission on Elections Commissioner Elias Yusoph, as they were reunited Tuesday afternoon at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Terminal 2. (Photo by ANJO PEREZ)

CAGAYAN DE ORO CITY – Officials in the Muslim-dominated province of Lanao del Sur said Tuesday that “no ransom” was paid in exchange for the liberty of Nuraldin Yusoph.

Officials of the Crisis Management Committee and Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong said Nuraldin, son of Commission on Elections (Comelec) Commissioner Elias Yusoph, was released by his hostage-takers without “any money involved.”

“No ransom was paid in exchange for the freedom of Nuraldin,” stressed Gov. Adiong.

The young Yusoph was kidnapped by armed men last June 20 in the outskirts of Marawi City in Lanao del Sur.

Nuraldin was released by his hostage-takers at an undisclosed place in Barangay Balulang, Cagayan de Oro City at 5:15 p.m. Monday and later reunited with his relatives led by his brother Arafat at 7:30 p.m. that same day, said Senior Superintendent Agrimero Cruz Jr.

The released kidnap victim arrived in Manila Tuesday afternoon.

Brig. General Rey Ardo, commanding general of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said Nuraldin was released by his kidnappers unharmed but gave no further details.

Upon his kidnap, the captors demanded that the Comelec nullify the election results in the municipalities of Malabang, Picong, Taraka and Masiu, all in Lanao del Sur. The Comelec ignored the demand.

Mindanao Development Authority (MinDA) Chairman Jesus G. Dureza said the negotiation for the release of the young Yusoph was “very successful.”