Ten Indonesian hostages were released over the weekend
Finally, 10 Indonesian hostages of the Abu Sayyaf Group had been released as the local government of Sulu continued to work to locate four more Indonesians hostages.
These are sailors kidnapped from their tugboat on April 15, near Pondo Sibugal Sitangkai, Tawi-Tawi.
Both the police and the military are not disclosing details of the rescue operations..
But Gov. Abdusakur "Toto" Tan Jr. said on Monday (May 2) that the local government was seeking the help of Sulu-based Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) to find the victims and help negotiate for their release.
Tan said the MNLF agreed to help out in addressing the kidnapping menace in the province.
Tan said the release of the 10 Indonesians on Sunday (May 1) resulted from ongoing military and police operations in Sulu — combined with the local government's negotiations with the Abu Sayyaf.
Sulu Gov. Toto Tan
Authorities are not saying directly whether or not ransom was paid for Indonesians' release. But they maintain, the government has a no-ransom policy.
Tan added the MNLF, through its chairman Nur Misuari, also helped in negotiations.
Misuari and some MNLF members have ongoing rebellion cases related to their attempt to occupy Zamboanga City in 2013 — resulting in a bloody siege and a battle with the Armed Forces of the Philippines.
Over 200 soldiers, rebels, and civilians died and thousands of people were displaced in the 20-day crisis.
Military officials refuse to comment on the Sulu government's efforts to ask for the MNLF's help in solving kidnapping cases.. But say they are looking into the issue.
Meanwhile, following the Abu Sayyaf's murder of Canadian hostage John Ridsdel the week before, President Aquino promised to finish off the bandit group.
The Foreign Affairs Department says it's working closely with concerned foreign governments to make sure all remaining hostages are freed.
http://cnnphilippines.com/regional/2016/05/02/Sulu-govt-MNLF-help-release-remaining-ASG-hostages.html
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