Non-stop military operations pressure ASG to release three Indonesian kidnap victims

By Jong Cadion

PAGADIAN CITY, Zamboanga del Sur (Oct 3, 2016) - Three Indonesian hostages were released anew from the hands of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf (ASG) in Sulu Sunday noon, military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Spokesperson Major Filemon Tan Jr. disclosed that the three Indonesians identified thru their passports are Ferry Arifin 26, Edi Soryonu 27 and Mohammad Mabrur Dahri 27. They were immediately brought to Camp Bautista Hospital in Jolo for medical checkup and processing.

Major Tan added that the three were part of a group of seven who were abducted by the notorious Muktadil brothers last June 25 this year. The Muktadil brothers were neutralized by elements of JTF Sulu in a military operations last Tuesday.

A total of 16 hostages; nine (9) Indonesians, six (6) Filipinos and one (1) Norwegian have been rescued or released since the intensification of focused military operations in July while 12 kidnap victims remain in ASG hands including five (5) Malaysians, four (4) Filipinos, two (2) Indonesians and one  (1) Dutch.

The release was a result of the collaboration of different stakeholders coupled by the pressure on the ASG by the relentless and intensified military operations by the AFP, WesMinCom official said.

Brig. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of JTF Sulu formally received the hostages at Camp Bautista Hospital in Jolo in Southern Philippines and expressed gratefulness on the help of numerous sectors.

The three hostages were released thru the MNLF in Sitio Bakud, Brgy Kagay, Indanan, Sulu then turned over to Gov. Abdusakur Tan II at 11:15am and were formally turned over to AFP custody at 12nn Sunday.

"The relentless military operations will continue until all remaining hostages are released" Brig. Gen. Dela Vega said.

The three Indonesians will be brought to Zamboanga to be formally turned over to Indonesian authorities.