3 Indonesians abducted off Tawi-Tawi

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines -- Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants seized three Indonesian fishermen in the seas off Tawi-Tawi, according to coast guard and military authorities here Friday.

The abduction of the three Indonesian fishermen came barely a day before the Abu Sayyaf released two Filipino fishermen.

The coast guard station in Tawi-Tawi said the incident took place in the vicinity of Taganak island at 5:30 p.m. on Wednesday.

It said suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen on a speedboat intercepted a Malaysian-flagged fishing boat with bow no. BN 838 with three Indonesian sailors on board.

The coast guard, which was alerted of the incident immediately, sent out personnel and recovered the fishing boat in the area of Bakungan Island. The boat was abandoned, however.

The fishing boat was towed to the Taganak coast guard station.

The gunmen were reportedly headed towards Sulu with the three captives.

Lt. Col. Rafael Franco Alano, acting spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said they have been alerted of the latest abduction.

Alano said the military in Sulu have been alerted to intercept and try to rescue the victims.

The Abu Sayyaf is believed to now be holding seven Indonesian hostages.

The military said aside from the Indonesian captives, the Abu Sayyaf group was also holding captive 5 Malaysians, 6 Vietnamese, a Dutch, German, and 6 Filipinos in Sulu.