10 Indonesian hostages freed by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu
10 Indonesians found outside the residence of Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II on Sunday noon. Photo credit to Sulu Governor Absusakur “Totoh” Tan II
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Ten Indonesians were freed by their Abu Sayyaf captors in Sulu on Sunday noon.
Supt. Wilfredo Cayat, police chief of Sulu, confirmed the release of the 10 Indonesians but could not give details.
READ: Abu Sayyaf gunmen abduct 10 Indonesians, demand P50M
“We were informed there were anonymous people who dropped the Indonesians just in front of the house of Sulu Governor (Abdusakur) Toto Tan (II),” Cayat said.
“They were brought inside, they were fed. Governor Tan called me and they turned over the 10 to our custody. We are preparing now to bring the 10 to Zamboanga and turn them to their consular official,” Cayat told the Inquirer by phone.
Cayat said the freed captives were crew members of a tugboat. They were abducted off the waters of Sulu on March 28.
Police earlier identified the crew members as Peter Tonson, Julian Philip, Alvian Elvis Peti, Mahmud, Surian Syah, Surianto, Wawan Saputria, Bayu Oktavianto, Reynaldi and Wendi Raknadian.
A source said a P50-million ransom was paid to the kidnappers.
“They were supposed to be freed between Friday and Saturday somewhere in Luuk town,” the source said.
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