Abu Sayaff militants released a town mayor, who was kidnapped by them seven months ago in southern Philippines, a senior police official said Tuesday.

The kidnappers handed over Monday night Jeffrey Lim, 37, mayor of Salug town in Zamboanga del Norte province, to an emissary sent by former Tuburan town mayor Hajarun Jamiri.

According to Capt. Alberto Caber, Spokesman of the First Army Division, Lim arrived in his hometown about 3 am, local time Tuesday and reunited with his family.

Lim's family in Salug confirmed to the police that they paid the amount of 1.3-million pesos ($31,523) in exchange for his release.

Police Regional Director Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles confirmed the family directly negotiated with their "own private negotiator". But Estilles declined to comment on the ransom paid by Lim's family.

Lim was abducted by the gunmen disguising as law enforces last April. Police said the kidnap-for-ransom group (KFRG) is the same group responsible in the kidnapping of Australian national Warren Richard Rodwell who was kidnapped on last December 5 in Ipil town and has remained captive.