3 more Indon ASG captives freed in Sulu

Abu Sayyaf Group (Screenshot from video courtesy of the Institute for the Study of Violent Groups)

MANILA – Three more Indonesian hostages were released from the clutches of the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu on Sunday noon.

The victims were 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 check up and processing.

The three were formally received by Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega.

“The relentless military operations will continue until all remaining hostages are released,” he added.

The three were part of a group of seven who were abducted by the notorious Muktadil brothers last June 25.

Elements of the Joint Task Force Sulu neutralized the Muktadil brothers in a military operations last September 27.

A total of 16 hostages; nine Indonesians, six Filipinos and one 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 Malaysians, four Filipinos, two Indonesians and one 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 Armed Forces of the Philippines.

The three hostages were released thru the Moro National Liberation Front in Sitio Bakud, Barangay Kagay, Indanan, Sulu then turned over to Gov.

Abdusakur Tan II at 11:15 a.m. and were formally turned over to AFP custody around noon on Sunday.