By Martin A. Sadongdong
The Abu Sayyaf Group has freed two Indonesian sailors from captivity, the military said yesterday.
Indonesians La Utu bin La Raali and La Hadi La Edi were freed at around 7:30 p.m. Friday and taken to the house of former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan Sr. in Barangay Asturias, Jolo, Sulu, by a concerned citizen, the military said.
The military added that the Joint Task Force Sulu fetched the two victims at Tan’s house after he contacted authorities.
La Utu bin La Raali, boat captain of Ching kai Ling Company Fishing Vessel SSK 00520, and La Hadi La Edi, a boat captain of fishing vessel SN 1154, were taken by Abu Sayyaf on Nov. 5, 2016 between Pegasus Reef and Kuala Kinabatangan near Taganak Island in Tawi-Tawi.
Further details on the victims’ release have yet to be announced but JTF Sulu assured the victims were subjected to several tests.
“Medical examination was made and custodial debriefing is ongoing at Camp Teodolfo Bautista, Busbus, Jolo, Sulu,” the military said.
Authorities have reportedly coordinated with the Embassy of Indonesia and Consulate-General of the Republic of Indonesia in Davao for the return of the kidnap victims to their country once they are given exit clearance from the immigration.
The Abu Sayyaf Group, which is based in Mindanao, are known for their kidnap-for-ransom cases mostly involving tourists and fishermen.
Infamous for their brutality, the ASG beheaded German national Jurgen Kantner, 70, on February 2017 after their R30-million ransom demand was not granted.