Vietnam verifying beheading of its nationals in Basilan

July 6, 2017

Vietnam on Thursday said it is working with Philippine authorities to confirm reports that two Vietnamese sailors were beheaded by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf group in Basilan. “The Embassy of Vietnam in the  Philippines is closely working with the Philippines's relevant authorities to urgently verify the information,” it said in a statement. The military said the decapitated bodies of Hoang Thong and Hoang Va Thai were recovered Wednesday in Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip town by a resident. . “Vietnam strongly condemns all acts of kidnap and barbaric and inhumane killing. We hold that these acts must be properly punished," the embassy said. The two were among the six Vietnamese crewmen of MV Royal 16 seized by the bandits in November 11, 2016 off Sibago Island in Basilan. A hostage was rescued last month. The military said the Abu Sayyaf are holding 22 hostages, of which 16 are foreigners. DMS