More soldiers hunting down hostage-takers

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Hundreds of soldiers have been redeployed in the jungles of Patikul, Sulu to locate three Indonesians and four members of the Jehovah’s Witnesses sect still being held captive by the Abu Sayyaf.

At least 11 Marines were killed and 26 others were wounded during a clash with the rebels in the mountain village of Maligay last Oct. 12.

Army troops were pulled out of Luuk town and fielded in Patikul to augment Marine forces there.

"The troops are continuously searching for the hostages and their captors. They (Abu Sayyaf) have been very mobile since the last engagement," said Col. Alexander Aleo, commander of the Army’s 104th Infantry Brigade.

Sulu Gov. Yusop Jikiri said they have received information about the whereabouts of the four Indonesians but this could not be confirmed. — Roel Pareño