Philippine troops rescued Vietnamese crew member from Abu Sayyaf

By APD writer Melo M. Acuna

MANILA, June 16(APD) – A Vietnamese crewman was rescued after combat operations conducted by the Joint Task Force Basilan under one Colonel Juvymax Uy.

The Vietnamese national identified as Hoang Vo, a crew member of Motor Vessel (M/V) Royal 16, has been held for ransom by the Abu Sayyaf for the more than seven months.

In a statement released by the Armed Forces of the Philippines’ Western Mindanao Command, Hoang was recovered by soliders at the Sumisip-Ungkaya Pukan Complex in Basilan Province at about 8:30 A.M. today.

Military operatrives conducted air strikes against the group reportedly led by one Furuji Indama.

Vo escaped from his captors after they dispersed due to the airstrike and artillery fires.

“Vo, 28 years oild and a resident of Nghe An, Vietnam was found by soliders with a wound on his back,” Uy said.

It was learned Vo was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in Sibago Island Basilan Province last November 11,2016.

There are still 26 captives, 21 of whom are in Sulu while five others were kept in Basilan island.

Five other Vietnamese nationals are still held by the Abu Sayyaf in Southern Philippines.

(ASIA PACIFIC DAILY)