Indonesia receives freed Abu Sayyaf captives

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The Indonesian government on Tuesday formally received its two citizens, whom the Abu Sayyaf had freed on Monday after more than five months in captivity.

Mohammad Nazir and Rubin Peter were formally received by Pak Wiba, the Indonesian Embassy’s Protocol Officer, here.

Wiba said the Indonesian government was “very thankful” to the “government of the Philippines, especially the Armed Forces of the Philippines, the governor of Sulu and also other related institutions, which made possible the release” of the two Indonesian captives.

The two freed victims were among seven Indonesians the Abu Sayyaf kidnapped off Sulu on June 22. Their five companions were released after week in captivity.

READ: 2 Indonesians freed by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Officials were mum on whether or not money had changed hands.

General Jose Cabanban, the deputy commander of the Western Mindanao Command, said the two captives were healthy and had no signs of abuse.

“It seems they were kept in a good place, they didn’t have scratches. I think they were fed well because there was no indication they were hungry,” he said. CDG