Kidnap victims rescued in Basilan

BASILAN, Philippines – The military has rescued the construction workers who were abducted by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group on Monday, September 14.

Joint Task Group-Basilan,  composed of elements of Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 and 64th Infantry Battalion, rescued all 9 victims in Barangay Kaumpamatsaken, in Sumisip, Basilan, the military said.

Earlier reports placed the number of abducted workers at 10 and 11.

The construction workers, employed by Mace Construction Company, were abducted on their way to a road construction site at around 8 am on Monday.

The military said the hours-long pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf group  led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik, reportedly forced the abductors to abandon the victims.

Colonel Rolando Joselito Bautista, JTG Basilan commander, said the victims were rescued at around 4:40 pm on Monday, and were brought to the 64th IB headquarters for medical check-up and debriefing, before being allowed to return home.

“Our soldiers shall assist and rescue the victims in going back to their respective homes just to ensure their safety from the ASG,” Bautista said.

Basilan is the birthplace of the Abu Sayyaf, which is behind the most sensational kidnapping incidents in Mindanao. – Richard Falcatan/Rappler.com