Three Malaysian kidnap victims held captive by Abu Sayyaf rescued in Sulu

By Jong D. Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 27, 2017) - Days of unrelenting massive search and rescue operations by sea, air, and land units of Joint Task Force Sulu (JTF-S) led to the rescue of three kidnapped Malaysian boat crew at 11:30 in the evening last night at the boundary of Sitio Kasanyangan Brgy Tuyang, Talipao, and Brgy Jinggan, Panglima Estino, Sulu Province, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that Colonel Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of JTF-S reports that operating troops under him consisting of 63rd Infantry Battalion, Philippine Marines Ready Force and Naval Intelligence Special Group-Western Mindanao, while conducting Focused Military Operations successfully rescued Malaysian kidnap victims (KVs): 1) Mohammad Jumadil Rahim; 2) Mohammad Ridzuan Bin Ismail; and, 3) Fandy Bin Bakran.

Cpt. Petinglay said that following the lead and the information gathered from the two Malaysian crew members Tayudin Anjut and Abdurahim Bin Sumas, who were rescued last Thursday (March 23) in the seawaters off Kalinggalang Caluang near Pata island, Sulu Province, the Commander, JTF-Sulu immediately dispatched all available resources at the heels of the Abu Sayyaf. This pressed the bandits to leave the Malaysians behind while government forces were pursuing them.

"We are overwhelmed by the support we are receiving from the different organizations and entities that led to these recent successes," says Sobejana.

"We will continue to exert all means to rescue all the kidnap victims that are still being held captive by these bandits," Col Sobejana added.

Major General Carlito G Galvez, Jr, the Commander of the Western Mindanao Command lauded the troops for their selfless efforts.

"Our troops are doing the extra effort just to be able to rescue all the KVs. We consider this a success on a higher level since we were able to rescue KVs without firing a single bullet. This indicates that the people are coming together to go against the bandits and no longer wants them in their communities," MGEN Galvez said.

“We are again reiterating our call to every peace-loving citizens of Western Mindanao to continue supporting us in this endeavor. If efforts are united, we can surely make things happen and be able to reap the results together by attaining a peaceful community free of fear from terror," MGEN Galvez added.

Upon rescue, the Malaysians were immediately brought at Kuta Heneral Teodolfo Bautista Station Hospital, Brgy Bus-Bus, Jolo, Sulu and were immediately attended to by military doctors and nurses.

The three (3) KVs were among the five (5) Malaysian crewmen of T/B Serudung 3 kidnapped on 19 July 2016 at vicinity sea waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Lahad Datu, Sabah by the group of ASG sub leader Berham LUTIAN @Vietnam.