by Francis T. Wakefield
Troops of Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the Naval Forces in Western Mindanao (NavForWem) have successfully rescued five Filipinos kidnapped by the Abu Sayaff Group (ASG) in Tawi-Tawi last Friday.
According to the Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command (AFP-WestMinCom), the five were rescued off the waters of Sugbay Island in Languyan, around 1:30 p.m.
The five, identified as Vergel Arquino, Jushua Ybanez, Emo Fausto, Junald Minalang and Spriano Sordid, were crew members of Danvil 8, a fishing boat commandeered by the ASG last Oct. 14, near the coast of Poblacion Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu.
“The successful rescue was made possible due to the loose security of the captors,” said Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr., Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi commander.
In a report, Rear Admiral Rene Medina, NavForWem chief, said they found the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning their captors were confused and on the run due to continued military operations in the area.
“The timing was critical since the captors may shoot the victims if they will know about the plan,” Medina said. “We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue.”
AFP WestMinCom chief Lieutenant General Carlito G Galvez, Jr., said the victims were immediately subjected to medical examinations upon arrival at their headquarters.