American Executive Kidnaped 2 Months Ago Freed in Manila
A California businessman kidnaped two months ago was freed and appeared before reporters at national police headquarters.
Michael Barnes, 41, thanked those responsible for his release. “I’m very glad to be back safe and sound,” he said.
Col. Roberto Lastimoso said Barnes, of Long Beach, was rescued at 1 p.m. in a Manila suburb.
Barnes, vice president of Philippine Geothermal Inc., was kidnaped by gunmen Jan. 17 near his office in Manila’s financial district.
Barnes later appeared at police headquarters with U.S. Embassy officials.
Earlier today, SWAT teams raided suspected hideouts of the kidnapers and killed 10 people, officials said.
Also today, officials said two American women, an Australian mother and her two daughters had been kidnaped on a southern island. One child was later released.
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