Military confirms sightings of Abu kidnap victims in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The military confirmed fresh sightings of the foreign and local kidnap victims separately held by the Abu Sayyaf factions in the mountains of Sulu province.

Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, commander of Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said continuous monitoring is being conducted on the exact locations of the victims to prepare the ground troops for a safe rescue mission.

Guerrero declined to give the exact dates of the sightings of the victims, citing operational considerations on the ground.

“There is continuous monitoring to have a very precise operation because we have to consider always the safety of the hostages,” Guerrero said.

The military official said at least ten hostages, including five foreign nationals, have remained captives and held separately by the Abu Sayyaf militants.

“The efforts continued for the rescue of the remaining hostages,” Guerrero added.