^

Nation

Military identifies Abu Sayyaf members who grabbed Malaysian sailors

Roel Pareño - Philstar.com
June 9, 2016 | 4:06pm
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Security forces have identified the Abu Sayyaf members believed to be behind the kidnapping of four Malaysian sailors in April and will include them as targets in military operations.
 
Maj. Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Madjan Sahidjuan alias Apuh Mike as the leader of the militants that kidnapped Malaysians Wong Teck Chii, Johnny Lau Jung Hien, Wong Teck Kang and Wong Hung Sing.
 
The victims, who were seized while aboard their tugboat off Pulau, Sandakan on April 1, were confirmed freed last Wednesday after negotiations by unidentified Malaysian and Filipino emissaries.
 
The military is already coordinating with Malaysian counterparts so the victims can help identify other Abu Sayyaf members who held them captive for more than two months.
 
Tan said military operations against the Abu Sayyaf are ongoing in Sulu to secure the remaining hostages.
 
The victims believed to still be in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf group include Samal Island tourists Canadian Robert Hall, Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad and Filipino woman Marites Flor.
 
Authorities said that aside from the three Samal Island tourists, whose families and governments were given until Monday to pay ransoms for their release, the Abu Sayyaf group is also holding Dutch birdwatcher Elwold Horn, who was abducted from Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi and five local residents.
 
More soldiers are being deployed to Sulu to help in the operations against the Abu Sayyaf, Westmincom chief Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo dela Cruz said earlier.

TAROT GABAY
Philstar
  • Latest
  • Trending
Trending
Latest
Trending
abtest
abtest
Missing Taiwanese businessman confirmed dead

Missing Taiwanese businessman confirmed dead

By Ed Amoroso | 14 hours ago
Police have confirmed that the cadaver found along a riverside in Santo Rosa City earlier this month belonged to Taiwanese...
Nation
fbtw
US Marine drowns in Ilocos Norte

US Marine drowns in Ilocos Norte

By Artemio Dumlao | 14 hours ago
A member of the US Marine Corps drowned while swimming at a beach in Bangui town, Ilocos Norte on Friday.
Nation
fbtw
Town councilor shot dead in Zamboanga

Town councilor shot dead in Zamboanga

By John Unson | 14 hours ago
A gunman shot a town councilor dead Thursday night in Piñan town, Zamboanga del Norte, police said.
Nation
fbtw
Northern Metro Manila’s 8th most wanted nabbed in Malabon

Northern Metro Manila’s 8th most wanted nabbed in Malabon

By Emmanuel Tupas | 14 hours ago
The eighth most wanted fugitive in northern Metro Manila was arrested by police officers on Friday afternoon.
Nation
fbtw

Follow park etiquette – group

By Elizabeth Marcelo | 14 hours ago
As the holiday season approaches, environmental group EcoWaste Coalition has urged the public to observe park etiquette to prevent and reduce waste.
Nation
fbtw
Latest
abtest
Public warned vs 4PH scams

Public warned vs 4PH scams

By Elizabeth Marcelo | 14 hours ago
The Department of Human Settlements and Urban Development has warned the public, especially overseas Filipino workers, of...
Nation
fbtw
Pasig River Ferry Service announces holiday schedule

Pasig River Ferry Service announces holiday schedule

By Ghio Ong | 14 hours ago
The Pasig River Ferry will be closed on certain days during the holiday season, announced its operator Metropolitan Manila...
Nation
fbtw

Woman injured in acid attack in Cainta, Rizal

By Emmanuel Tupas | 14 hours ago
A woman was arrested after splashing muriatic acid on another woman following an argument over a man in Cainta, Rizal on Friday.
Nation
fbtw
Passenger leaves P100,000 in clutch bag at CDO airport

Passenger leaves P100,000 in clutch bag at CDO airport

By Rudy Santos | 14 hours ago
Civil Aviation Authority of the Philippines officials are looking for a passenger who left behind a clutch bag containing...
Nation
fbtw

Go, local leaders empower students in Binangonan

14 hours ago
An adopted son of Calabarzon, Sen. Bong Go led efforts to support college students in Binangonan in Rizal, reaffirmed his dedication to uplifting the youth and ensuring their access to opportunities for a brighter...
Nation
fbtw
Recommended
Are you sure you want to log out?
X
Login

Philstar.com is one of the most vibrant, opinionated, discerning communities of readers on cyberspace. With your meaningful insights, help shape the stories that can shape the country. Sign up now!

Get Updated:

Signup for the News Round now

FORGOT PASSWORD?
SIGN IN
or sign in with