3 more Indonesian hostages released

MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED) – The Abu Sayyaf released 3 more Indonesian hostages at noon on Sunday, October 2.

The release of the hostages identified as Edi Suryono, Ferry Arifin, and Muhamad Mabrur Dahri comes after 4 other Indonesians were released in the past two weeks. (Read here and here.)

The former hostages were released by the Abu Sayyaf in Indanan, Sulu, and were received by MNLF forces under Commander Tahil Sali, Abraham Joe, and Commodore White Lion, according to an initial report from the military.

Presidential Peace Adviser Sec. Jesus Dureza said they were turned over by Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) chairman Nur Misuari to Sulu Governor Abdusakur “Totoh” Tan Jr.

“Chairman Misuari personally called me and informed me about another breakthrough in the efforts to recover hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf Group,” Dureza said in a statement. 

“Chairman Misuari requested me to relay this new development to President Rodrigo Duterte, in whose behalf I expressed gratitude for the efforts,” Dureza added.

Dureza said the governor will turn over custody of the Indonesians to Sulu military commander General Arnel dela Vega. 

Duterte has sought talks with Misuari’s MNLF. He is counting on the group that has strong presence in Sulu to help the government end the atrocities of the Abu Sayyaf, a loose network of militants that has earned millions of dollars from kidnappings-for-ransom.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief General Ricardo Visaya vowed to end the Abu Sayyaf before he steps down in December. Thousands of troops were deployed to the island to hunt down members of the Abu Sayyaf. – Rappler.com