3 Indonesian kidnap victims released in Sulu

PAGADIAN CITY (Sep. 17, 2018) – Three Indonesian hostages were released around 4pm Saturday in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu due to the intensified military operations launched by the Joint Task Force Sulu and in coordination with the local chief executives of Sulu, military official said.

        LTC Gerry M. Besana, WesMinCom spokesperson disclosed that the three Indonesian hostages identified as Hamdam Bin Salim, 34 years old, Subande Satto, 27 years old, and Sudarlan Samansung, 41 years old, were turned over to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Commander, Joint Task Force Sulu, former Governor Abdusakur Tan and Provincial Director of the Sulu Provincial Police Office Police Senior Superintendent Labra.

        The said hostages were forcibly taken last January 18, 2017 while onboard a speedboat off the waters of Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi, Besana said.

        Besana added that the release was made possible through the joint efforts of the Joint Task Force Sulu, Miss Tarhata Misuari, Abdul Kiram Misuari, and former Governor Abdusakur Tan.

        He said that the released hostages were immediately brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical check-up and custodial debriefing prior turn-over to higher headquarters.

        They will then be presented to Commander, WestMinCom and turned over to the Indonesian Ambassador at the Headquarters, Western Mindanao Command today, Besana said,

        As of this date, there are two foreigners and nine Filipinos who are still held by the Abu Sayyaf in the hinterlands of Sulu, WesMinCom official disclosed.