Gov’t troops rescue 2 Malaysian kidnap victims in Sulu

Government troops rescued early Thursday morning in Sulu two Malaysian nationals who were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf last year, military officials said.

Armed Forces of the Philippines spokesperson Brig. Gen. Restituto Padilla said the two kidnap victims are now in the hospital.

"Nasa hospital pa yung dalawang kidnap victims and undergoing checkup," Padilla said in a text message to GMA News Online.

The kidnap victims were identified as Tayudin Anjut, 45 and Adurahim Bin Sumas, 62.

A statement from the Armed Forces Western Mindanao Command said Anjut and Sumas were among the five Malaysian crewmen of Tugboat Serudung 3 who were abducted on July 19 last year at the sea waters of Dent Haven, Tambisan, Lahad Datu, Sabah by the group of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Sibih Pissih.

The Malaysians were first reported missing after their tugboat and barge were recovered without crew members in Tanjung Labian, Lahad Datu Sabah, the statement added.

Col. Edgard Arevalo, AFP public affairs office chief, said the Philippine Marine Ready Force Sulu went to Barangay Carudong in Kalinggalang Caluang town upon receiving information on the presence of Abu Sayyaf members there.

He said the troops encountered 20 to 30 members of the terrorist group.

The Malaysian nationals were rescued around 2 a.m. They were part of the Malaysian crew kidnapped on July 19, 2016. — Amita Legaspi/RSJ, GMA News