2 freed hostages now in custody of German Embassy

Screengrab from video released by the Abu Sayyaf group released on September 24, 2014

MANILA — As of 6: 45 a.m. Saturday the two German hostages released by the Abu Sayyaf Group Friday evening have arrived in Manila.

This was announced by Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) spokesperson Major Gen. Domingo Tutaan.

“As of now, the two German nationals arrived at VAB (Villamor Air Base) at 6:45 a.m. today. Embassy of Germany have made arrangements for this and have taken custody over them,” he added.

He added victims Dr. Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71 and Henrike Dielen, 55 were released in Patikul at 8:50 p.

m. Friday.

Tutaan said the two were made to undergo medical checkup in Zamboanga City before their flight to Manila.

Meanwhile, AFP public affairs office chief Lt. Col. Harold Cabunoc attributes the release of the two to the government’s intensified law enforcement operations.