2 Indonesian hostages of Abu Sayyaf rescued by Marines in Sulu

Two Indonesian captives of the Abu Sayyaf were rescued by members of the Philippine Marines in Sulu on Thursday morning, the military said.

Saparuddin Koni and Sawal Maryam were intercepted by Marine Forces of Joint Task Force Sulu in Brgy. Bunot in Indanan town at around 6:30 a.m., JTF Sulu commander Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana said.

The two were brought to Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Hospital for medical exam and a custodial debriefing will be conducted at the Joint Task Force Sulu headquarters in Brgy. Busbus in Jolo.

There are 15 remaining hostages of the Abu Sayyaf in Sulu, Sobejana said.

Meanwhile, five soldiers from the Army’s 41st Infantry Battalion were wounded in an encounter with the Abu Sayyaf led by sub leader Idang Susukan in Brgy. Upper Binuang in Talipao town at about 6 a.m.

Five members of the Abu Sayyaf were killed in the operations and three-high powered firearms were recovered, Sobejana said. je