Military finds abandoned Abu Sayyaf ‘camps’ in Sulu

The Philippine military said it discovered 2 abandoned Abu Sayyaf “camps” in Patikul, Sulu, Sunday. Military spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Harold Cabunoc said one was found in barangay Buhanginan, where the German hostages were likely hidden. The other camp, which can house 100 people, was found in Kabuntakas village. Cabunoc said war materials found in the camps could help the military identify the whereabouts of the Abu Sayyaf and their hostages. “The German kidnap victims were released near the abandoned Abu Sayyaf Group camp in Buhanginan village. Heavy rains slowed down the tracking operations but the troops under Colonel Allan Arrojado have remained committed to accomplish the assigned mission,” said Cabunoc in a statement. The Abu Sayyaf released Friday night kidnapped Germans Stefan Viktor Okonek, 71, and Henrike Dielen, 55.

Read the full story on Rappler.

Read about the release of the Germans on Rappler.