Rescued hostages handed over to Indon authorities

September 9, 2017 - 12:01 AM
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Indon hostages rescued from ASG
Rescued Indonesian hostages at Western Mindanao Command headquarters. Photograph from WESTMINCOM.

CAMP DON BASILIO NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City – Philippine Army Captain Jo-Ann D. Petinglay, Public Information Officer of the Western Mindanao Command (WESTMINCOM), on Friday disclosed that the military has turned over two rescued hostages to Indonesian authorities.

Sarapuddin Koni and Sawal Maryam, both Indonesians and held captive by the Abu Sayyaf Group in Sulu, were handed over by the Command, represented by Rear Admiral Rene Medina, the commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command, to Colonel Asep Saefudin, Indonesian defense attaché, and Captain Nyoman Joko Gunawan, of the International Monitoring Team.

Koni and Maryam, both crew members of a Malaysian Trawler, were rescued by the Philippine Marine Ready Fleet Sulu, under Colonel Antonio V. Rosario, Jr., in Barangay Bunot, Indanan, Sulu early Thursday.

They were aboard a vehicle when intercepted by the Marine troops.

They were abducted by five Abu Sayyaf members in waters of Marabong near Kunah District in Sabah on November 19, 2016.

“We are elated to know that Koni and Maryam will soon reunite with their families and loved ones,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., Commander of the Western Mindanao Command.