Last Indonesian captive rescued; Abu leader nabbed

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — Security forces yesterday rescued the remaining Indonesian captive of the Abu Sayyaf bandit group following an encounter in Tawi-Tawi that also resulted in the capture of the kidnappers’ alleged leader.

Khairuldin bin Yai Kii, 15, was rescued at around 6:30 a.m. on Kalupag Island, Languyan town, according to Western Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr.

Kii was brought to the headquarters of the 2nd Marine Brigade in Bongao for medical treatment and debriefing.

He was later presented to Armed Forces chief Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, who flew to Tawi-Tawi to retrieve and reunite the victim with his three other companions who were rescued on Thursday night.

Sobejana said the victims would be turned over to the Indonesian embassy.

The victims were seized by the Abu Sayyaf in the waters off Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia in January 2020.

The kidnappers brought them to Sulu.

One of the victims, identified as La Baa, was killed by the kidnappers during an encounter with government security forces in September.

Baa’s remains were recovered by pursuing troopers hours following the encounter.

Details on Kii’s rescue were not immediately available.

Two of the kidnappers escaped during the encounter that started in Barangay Kalupag Island on Saturday night.

The kidnapper’s alleged leader, Majan Sahijuan, alias Apo Mike, was wounded in the firefight and captured by the troopers.

Sahijuan was tagged in a series of kidnapping activities that occurred along the waters bordering Malaysia and the Philippines. He is wanted by the Sabah authorities.

Vinluan said Sahijuan was abandoned by his followers during the offensive that was launched following reports about the presence of a group  of armed men on Kalupag Island.

“Two of the kidnapers fled, bringing Kii with them,” Lt. Col. Venjie Pendon, commanding officer of Marine Brigade Landing Team 6, said.

Pendon said Kii managed to flee from his captors.