5 Filipino kidnap victims rescued by troops in Tawi-Tawi

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (November 21, 2017) - Troops of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi and the Naval Task Group of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command were able to rescue five Filipino kidnap victims in Tawi-Tawi last Friday (November 17), military official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WestMinCom) Cpt Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that following a thorough planning and build up, the sailors and marines were able to successfully rescue the victims at the seawaters off Sugbay Island, Languyan, Tawi Tawi Province at 1:30pm last Friday.

Cpt Petinglay said that the victims were crew men of Fishing Boat Danvil 8 who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last October 14 near the coastal area of Poblacion Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu. Rescued were Vergel Arquino, from Davao City; Jushua Ybanez; Emo Fausto; Junald Minalang; and Spriano Sordid, all four from Pagadian City.

“The successful rescue was made possible due to the loose security of the captors,” said Brigadier General CustodioParcon, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi. In his report to the Commander, Western Mindanao Command, Rear Admiral Rene Medina, the NavForWem Chief said that they found the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning that the captors were confused and on the run due to the continuing conduct of focused military operations in the area.

“The timing was critical since the captors may shoot the victims if they will know about the plan,” said RAdm Medina.

“We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue,” he added. “The victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations upon their arrival at this headquarters to ensure that any medical condition be address,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., commander WestMinCom. “They will soon be reunited with their families.”

“For this year alone, our units have been successful with carrying out rescue operations through special operations,” added Lt Gen Galvez Jr. “Just last week, three Vietnamese KVs were rescued from the hands of the ASG captors also thru connections and build up.”

“I commend the troops of NavForWem under Rear Admiral Medina and the marines of the Joint Task Force Tawitawi under BGen Parcon for yet another successful rescue operation,” added the WestMinCom Chief.