10 Indonesian crew freed by Abu Sayyaf
Print Edition
ABU Sayyaf militants have freed 10 Indonesian crewmen who were seized at sea in March in the first of three attacks on tugboats that have sparked a regional maritime security alarm, Filipino officials said yesterday.
The Indonesians appeared to be in good health when they were dropped off yesterday afternoon in front of the house of Sulu province’s governor in the town of Jolo, said the town’s police chief, Junpikar Sitin.
The 10 men were then brought to a Philippine military camp and arrangements were underway to turn them over to Indonesian officials.
Jolo’s Mayor Hussin Amin welcomed the release of the Indonesians, but said he did not know whether a ransom had been paid.
“If this big release came in exchange for money, those who paid are supporting the Abu Sayyaf,” he said. “This money will be used to buy more firearms and will be utilized as mobilization funds by these criminals.”
Indonesian President Joko “Jokowi” Widodo thanked the Philippines and the “many parties” in Indonesia who cooperated to secure the release of the hostages.
A Philippine army officer who has been helping to deal with Abu Sayyaf kidnappings said a rebel commander from the Moro National Liberation Front, which has signed a peace deal with the Philippine government, helped talk with the Abu Sayyaf for the release of the 10 Indonesians.
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