Abu Sayyaf Kidnap Victim Dies in Hospital

MANILA, Philippines (1st UPDATE) - A Chinese national kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits last November in Basilan and released last Friday (Feb. 26, 2010) died on Monday, according to a report from the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) police.

Oscar Lu passed away at around 3 pm at the Ciudad Hospital, Zamboanga City where he was rushed to by ARMM police since he was in poor health after his release.

According to initial reports, Lu developed low blood pressure and heart disease in his over 3-month captivity. He suddenly stopped breathing on Monday while receiving medical treatment.

Lu and Michael Tan were rescued by police and soldiers in Sumisip, Basilan past 8 p.m. Friday.

They were kidnapped along with Filipino colleague Marquez Singson last November 10 inside the plywood factory they were working in Maluso town, Basilan.

A month after the kidnapping, Singson was executed after his family and the factory owner failed to deliver the P1.5 million the Abu Sayyaf had demanded. Singson's severed head was recovered near Plaza Rizal along Valderosa St. in Isabela City.

The kidnappers earlier demanded P13 million in ransom for the two Chinese nationals. -- with a report from RJ Rosalado,

Source: ABS-CBN News