AFP actively trying to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages – Western Mindanao Command

From GMA News (Aug 2): AFP actively trying to rescue Abu Sayyaf hostages – Western Mindanao Command

The Philippine Armed Forces' Western Mindanao Command chief, Lt. Gen. Rustico Guerrero, said Saturday that security forces were actively trying to rescue all the hostages taken by the Abu Sayyaf group.

“There's a continuing effort jointly conducted by the AFP and the Philippine National Police. In fact we have had several engagements or encounters in Sulu [due to our efforts],” Guerrero said during a press conference in Camp Navarro, Zamboanga City.

Currently, rescue operations are active in Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi - areas were the Abu Sayyaf is knwon to operate.

Guerrero, however, admitted that they were having difficulties as the hostages were being used as human shields. “Very careful po 'yung ating tropa na hindi po masaktan ang ating mga nire-rescue na kidnap victims,” he explained.

Meantime, Guerrero called on the locals to provide information on the bandit group and their hostages. “Mape-prevent po ito kung lahat ay makikipagtulungan sa ating gobyerno, especially the police and the military,” he said.

In February 2012, Dutch national Elwold Horn and Swiss national Lorenzo Vinciguerra along with Ivan Sarenas from Davao were abducted in Tawi-Tawi by five gunmen.

Last May, two German nationals went missing in the seas between Palawan and Sabah. They are now believed to have been abducted by the Abu Sayyaf.

http://www.gmanetwork.com/news/story/373140/news/regions/afp-actively-trying-to-rescue-abu-sayyaf-hostages-western-mindanao-command