The Malaysian fisherman who was rescued by government forces shortly after he was shot by his Abu Sayyaf Group captors while attempting to escape last week died in a hospital in Zamboanga City the other day.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines-Western Mindanao Command said Jari Bin Abdullah died at the West Metro Medical Center at 1:17 p.m.
It said Abdullah’s family executed a waiver consenting to the removal of his life support, which was witnessed by his family, the Malaysian Consul General, and officials of the International Monitoring Team.
AFP-Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega has extended his heartfelt sympathy to the family of Abdullah after learning of his demise.
He assured that government troops are exhausting all efforts to defeat the Abu Sayyaf and bring justice to all victims of terrorism.
The AFP Joint Task Force said pursuing members of the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu rescued Abdullah on Simusa Island, Barangay Bahkaan, Banguingui, Sulu.
Abdullah, who was kidnapped last Dec. 6 in Malaysian waters, was retrieved while members of the ASG under alias “Najir Arik” were withdrawing following a 15-minute encounter with troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team at 4:25 p.m. last April 4.
JTF Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr. disclosed that the kidnap victim was shot by the Abu Sayyaf while escaping from his captors during the firefight.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding a Dutch, a Vietnamese, two Indonesians, and four Filipinos as hostages. (Francis T. Wakefield)
