PHL military verifying reports that abducted Vietnamese sailors are in Basilan forest

From the Philippine News Agency (Nov 16): PHL military verifying reports that abducted Vietnamese sailors are in Basilan forest

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is verifying reports that six Vietnamese sailors who were kidnapped last week, are being held in a forested stronghold of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, AFP public affairs office chief, Col. Edgard Arevalo said in an interview Wednesday.

Arevalo declined to give further details for security reasons but emphasized that the military is checking the information.

Six Vietnamese sailors of the M/V Royal Dawn were kidnapped last Nov. 11 while their ship, which was carrying a cargo of cement for Davao City, was passing southern Basilan.

Arevalo said the AFP is coordinating with the Vietnamese embassy to facilitate the rescue of the victims.

He added the M/V Royal Dawn is still anchored off Zamboanga City, awaiting its replacement crew. Depending on the owner's decision, it can continue with its voyage or return home.

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