Indonesian embassy receives freed fishermen, praises military efforts

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Three kidnapped Indonesian fishermen freed by the Abu Sayyaf have been handed over to Ambassador Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang who flew to Zamboanga City in southern Philippines to receive the trio.

Hamdam Salim, Subandi Sattuh, and Sudarlan Samansung were released September 15 by the Abu Sayyaf to the group of Nur Misuari, chairman of the Moro National Liberation Front, in Indanan town.

It was unknown whether the Abu Sayyaf received ransom in exchange for the freedom of the hostages, but the military said its relentless campaign against the terrorist group contributed largely to the release of the fishermen.

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, led the handover of the fishermen to the Indonesian ambassador, who expressed gratitude to the military for its efforts in recovering the hostages. “We give our assurance that we will always be of assistance for the common interest of our country and the Indonesian government,” Dela Vega said.



Military photos released to the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner show the 3 freed Indonesian fishermen with Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, commander of the Western Mindanao Command, and Ambassador Dr. Sinyo Harry Sarundajang who flew to Zamboanga City to receive the trio.

Security forces continue to hunt down the Abu Sayyaf which is still holding several Filipino and foreign hostages. Just recently, soldiers clashed with some 100 militants under Radulan Sahiron and Hajan Sawadjaan in Patikul town and killed 7 fighters and wounded Sawadjaan.

President Rodrigo Duterte has ordered the military to destroy the Abu Sayyaf, blamed for the spate of terrorism and killings of innocent civilians.

Many of its leaders had been destroyed by the military the past years and hundreds have surrendered in Basilan, Sulu and Tawi-Tawi, including Zamboanga City after the government offered amnesty in an effort to bring them back to the fold of the law. (Mindanao Examiner)


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