British gov’t thanks PH military for rescue of 2 UK nationals

FILE: RESCUED. Rescued British businessman Allan Arthur Hyrons, 70, and his Filipino wife, Wilma, speak with Maj. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., Joint Task Forces Sulu commander, following a clash against their captors, the Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Mount Piahan, Parang, Sulu Monday (Nov. 25, 2019). The couple’s rescue came after a series of clashes since Friday that constricted the movement of the bandits. (Photo courtesy of Joint Task Force Sulu via PNA)

MANILA — The United Kingdom on Monday extended its gratitude to the Armed Forces of the Philippines for the successful rescue of two British nationals, Wilma and Alan Hyrons, who were abducted in Sulu last October 4.

“I am very grateful for their tremendous efforts. We are in particular grateful to their Armed Forces for their courage throughout a difficult operation which resulted in Alan and Wilma’s release,” Foreign Secretary Dominic Raab said in a statement.

READ: Gov’t troops rescue Briton, wife from captors in Sulu

Raab said the UK has worked closely with the Philippine government on the couple’s case over the last two months.

“I am pleased to confirm that both Alan and Wilma Hyrons are safe and well, and being looked after by the Philippine authorities,” he said.

The UK’s Foreign Office officials have been in close contact with Alan and Wilma’s family throughout the case, who requested for privacy following their release.

Th Hyrons were rescued on the morning of November 25 after the AFP carried out a military operation on the island of Sulu.

The couple was abducted on October 4 by six gunmen from the family-owned resort in Barangay Alindahaw, Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.

The couple’s rescue came after a series of clashes since Friday that constricted the movement of the Abu Sayyaf Group.