FIVE fishermen held by members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) since October were rescued by members of the military’s Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi and the Naval Task Group of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao Command (NavForWem) over the weekend in Tawi-Tawi.
A statement from the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command said the kidnap victims were rescued at around 1:30 p.m. last Friday in the seawaters off Sugbay Island as a result of a thorough planning and buildup by the sailors and marines.
The rescued fishermen were identified as Vergel Arquino from Davao City and Jushua Ybanez, Emo Fausto, Junald Minalang and Spriano Sordid, all from Pagadian City.
The victims, who were snatched on October 14 near the coastal area of Poblacion Simbahan, Pangutaran, Sulu, were crew of the fishing Boat Danvil 8.
“The successful rescue was made possible due to the loose security of the captors,” said Brig. Gen. Custodio Parcon Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi.
In his report to Wesmincom commander Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez Jr., NavForWem Commander Rear Adm. Rene Medina said they found the opportunity to rescue the victims after learning the captors were confused and on the run due to the continuing military operations in the area.
“The timing was critical, since the captors may shoot the victims if they will know about the plan,” he added. “We were able to lead them to safety through our contacts, thus this rescue.”
Galvez said the rescued victims would be turned over to their families.
He cited the troops for their continuing operations against the ASG and their success in recovering the victims.
“For this year alone, our units have been successful with carrying out rescue operations through special operations,” said Galvez, noting that just last week, three Vietnamese kidnap victims were also rescued from their ASG captors through “connections and build up.”
“I commend the troops of NavForWem under Rear Admiral Medina and the marines of the Joint Task Force Tawi tawi under Brig. Gen. Parcon for yet another successful rescue operation,” Galvez said.