Marines rescue Malaysian fisherman in Sulu

April 5, 2019

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Marine troops rescued a Malaysian fisherman kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf bandits more than four months ago in Pegasus Reef Kinabatangan, Malaysia.

The Joint Task Force Sulu said Jari Abdullah, 34, was rescued around 4:25 p.m. Thursday following a firefight in Barangay Bahkaan, Banguingui, Sulu.

The Philippine Marine Ready Force-Sulu retrieved Abdullah near the Abu Sayyaft’s withdrawal route 15 minutes after they engaged in a firefight against the bandits under Najir Arik.

Brig. Gen. Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., Joint Task Force Sulu commander, said Abdullah managed to escape, although wounded since “he was shot by his captors before he was secured by the troops.”

The Marines airlifted Abdullah to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo.

Pabayo said there were no casualties on the government side.

Abdullah was seized on December 6, 2018 with two Indonesians from their boat while fishing at Pegasus Reef Kinabatangan, Malaysia.

The two Indonesians are Heri Ardiansyah, 19, and Hariadin, 45. Their whereabouts are not known.

“Marine troops continue their pursuit and offensives to run down militants and rescue captives on said island,” said Lt. Gen. Arnel Dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief.

The Sulu-based Abu Sayyaf bandit are still holding close to 10 people, including foreigners. DMS