Military rescues Indonesian, last hostage of Abu Sayyaf

January 16, 2020

ZAMBOANGA CITY - Government troops have rescued  an Indonesian fisherman, the last captive of the Abu Sayyaf , in the province of Sulu.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said the rescued Indonesian fisherman was Muhammad Farhan, 27.

Sobejana said Farhan was rescued around 6:45 p.m. Wednesday in Barangay Bato-Bato, Indanan.

Sobejana said Farhan’s rescue came after troops got information from  residents. 

He said Farhan was taken to Camp General Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital and was later airlifted to Camp Navarro General Hospital for further medical attention and custodial debriefing.

“We are very pleased with this remarkable accomplishment of our Joint Task Force Sulu,” Sobejana said.

“Our ground troops have succeeded in rescuing all remaining captives of the Abu Sayyaf Group. This proves that our sustained rescue efforts and security operations to run down and degrade ASG have been very effective. Hence, this breakthrough will be sustained to thwart kidnappings, dismantle the terror group to bring about peace and sustainable development in Sulu,” he added.

Farhan was kidnapped with his father, Maharudin Lunani, 48,and Samiun Maneu, 27, a crew, while they were fishing on September 23, 2019 off Tambisan waters, Lahad Datu.

Government troops rescued Lunani and Maneu on December 22, 2019 in Panamao, Sulu. DMS