Abu Sayyaf's Korean hostage found dead in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Korean national who was held in captvity by the Abu Sayyaf group for more than 9 months died in Indanan town, Sulu, a security official said on Sunday.

Brig. Gen. Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, said the remains of Nwi Seong Hong was discovered abandoned at 10:30 p.m. on Saturday by civilians at the vicinity of the Sulu State College in Capitol Complex, Barangay Bangkal, Patikul town.

Arrojado said civilians immediately informed authorities and recovered the cadaver which was brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital in Barangay Busbus, Jolo town, for post-mortem examination and identity verification.

Arrojado said the police Scene of the Crime Operatives (SOCO) that the remains belonged to the 40-year-old Hong.

He said investigation revealed that the Abu Sayyaf brought the remains of Hong to the area after he died due to severe illness while in being held in the hinterland of the municipality of Indanan.

In the post-mortem examination, the SOCO personnel found no gunshot wound and the cause of death was undetermined.

"Based on the police intelligence reports... [the death] could be due to illness because they monitored last week the group of the abductors reportedly ordering to buy some medicines," Arrojado said.

Arrojado said the remains of the victim will be soon be transported to Manila while coordinating with the Korean embassy.

The Korean national was forcibly taken by unidentified armed men at vicinity of Barangay Poblacion in RT Lim town, Zamboanga Sibugay province on January 24 after having dinner with his son.

The victim's son was able to escape during the abduction after he fought back.

The Joint Task Group Sulu said the kidnappers of Hong were identified as the Indanan-based Abu Sayyaf group led by sub-leader Idang Susukan, Anga Adji and others.