DWDD: RESCUED | 4 Vietnamese hostages recovered by troops in Tawi-Tawi

From DWDD AFP Civil Relations Service Radio Website (Nov 11): RESCUED  |  4 Vietnamese hostages recovered by troops in Tawi-Tawi



CAMP NAVARRO, Calarian, Zamboanga City (DWDD) – Four Vietnamese hostages were rescued in a military operation launched in Tawi-Tawi yesterday morning. Buy Xuan Vien, Bui Trung Duc, Nguten Quang Huy, and Nguyin Huu Trong were rescued from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf Group in a special operation launched near Kang Tipayan Island in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi at around 7:45am (November 10).

However, Huu Trong was found dead when he was recovered by troops of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao and the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi. Due to a lingering illness, Huu Trong succumbed to death during his captivity.

“The Vietnamese hostages were transported by navy personnel to Zamboanga City for proper disposition and medical treatment,” said Rear Admiral Rene Medina, the NFWM Commander.

“Through the operations conducted by our marines and navy, we successfully recovered the Vietnamese hostages off Tawi-Tawi waters, and we mean to intensify our offensives to pressure the bandits to yield,” said Brigadier General Custodio Parcon, Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu.

Said hostages, all crew members of Marine Vessel Giang Hai 5, were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf bandits off the waters of Pearl Bank, Pangutaran, Sulu on February 25, 2017.

Of the 17 crew members boarding the said vessel, two were killed while attempting to escape from the Abu Sayyaf. Ten were rescued by the troops, while the group of Xuan Vien was forcibly taken and transported by the bandits to mainland Sulu. As of this date, there are seven foreigners and nine Filipinos who are still held by the Abu Sayyaf in the hinterlands of Sulu.

“Operations by our ground units continue to yield positive results as we relentlessly pursue the bandits to thwart their kidnapping ploys and rescue their victims,” said Lieutenant General Carlito G. Galvez, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command.

“Through the resolve of our Joint Task Forces, we continue to reach our objectives with the end state of defeating the Abu Sayyaf,” he added.

“My commendations to Joint Task Force Tawi-tawi and the Naval Forces Western Mindanao troops.” WESTMICOM/MCAG

http://dwdd.com.ph/2017/11/11/rescued-4-vietnamese-hostages-recovered-by-troops-in-tawi-tawi/