The Sulu Philippine National Police (PNP) confirmed that three Indonesian hostages of terror group Abu Sayyaf (ASG) have been set free early Sunday in two separate locations in Luuk municipality, Sulu province.
The release of the Indonesian hostages comes less than a day after the ASG discharged Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad.
The three were identified by police as Lorence Koten, Theo Doros Kofong and Emanuel Arakian.
Together with Sekkingstad, the three Indonesians were turned over by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) leader Nur Misuari to Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza and former Sulu Vice Governor Abdusakur Tan in Bgy. Kagay, Indanan, Sulu.
According to a statement of the Western Mindanao Command (WESMINCOM), Mr. Dureza and Sekkingstad left Sulu province at 2:40 p.m. Sunday for Davao City. The three Indonesian were bound for Zamboanga City.
NO RANSOM MONEY PAID
Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said that they are unaware of any ransom paid in exchange for the release of the Indonesian captives. This contrary to reports that P20 million were paid in ransom.
"What we do know is that we have been concentrating on the launch of all our operations and all our activities on the ground have been indicative of the increasing pressure felt by these groups," Padilla said.
The AFP Spokesperson added that the "relentless and focused military operations" had a "great impact" on the release of the hostages. Padilla also recognized MNLF's assistance in the transfer of the kidnap victims to the authorities.
"Perhaps - and the great reason for this - is that they continue to feel the seriousness of government," Padilla said. "Gen. Visaya has already informed them that they should give up all the hostages or face the full consequence of military power."
TURN OVER TO THE MILITARY
The Indonesian captives arrived at the WESMINCOM at around 4:45 p.m. Sunday. They were accompanied by Joint Task Group Sulu officials aboard a UH-1 helicopter and they were met by Indonesian Embassy officials led by the Indonesian Defense Minister Riyamizard Ryacudu.
In a statement, the Indonesian Minister thanked President Rodrigo Duterte and the AFP, and noted the participation of the MNLF in the release of the Indonesians.
Ryacudu added that there are about 20,000 troops deployed in Sulu and cited the probability of joint cooperation by the Indon and Philippine governments in the area of security and border patrol.
Source / Image: CNN Philippines
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