9 hostages still in ASG hands in Sulu

Sulu Provincial Capitol Building in Jolo (Photo By Agtillah – Own work, CC BY-SA 3.0)

MANILA — Nine hostages, including six foreigners, are still being held by the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Sulu.

This was confirmed by Joint Task Force Sulu commander Brig.

Gen. Cirilito Sobejana during the sidelines of the National Disaster Risk Reduction and Management Council Yearend Meeting held at the AFP Commissioned Officers’ Club in Camp Aguinaldo, Quezon City Tuesday.

The remaining hostages consist of one Dutch, five Indonesians and three Filipinos.

Sobejana said that the latter are being held by the terrorists under ASG leader Radullan Sahiron.

Operations are still ongoing to ensure the safe recovery of the victims, he added.

An estimated 400 ASG members are still being hunted by military units in Sulu, the military official said.

(PNA)