3 more Indon captives of ASG freed in Sulu

MANILA --- Three more Indonesian captives of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists were released in an undisclosed location in Sulu Saturday night.Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Major Filemon Tan said the victims who were identified as Ferry Arifin, Dan Edi Suryono, Mohammad Mahbrur were released to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) and were quickly turned over to Sulu Gov. Toto Tan who then had the three brought to Joint Task Force-Sulu headquarters in Jolo.Arifin, Edi and Mahbrur are crew of M/T Tugboat Charles 00 and were kidnapped on June 22 at the area of Simisa Island, Sulu.The victims were brought to Camp Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for proper medical examination and debriefing before being turned over to proper authorities. The release of the kidnap victims is an offshoot of the ongoing military operations to sustain pressure against the ASG and the assistance of the MNLF, Tan said.This brings to 16 the number of kidnap victims rescued or released from ASG clutches since July.This includes six Filipinos, nine Indonesians and one Norwegian have been rescued or released since July and soldiers continue focused military operations to destroy the ASG and rescue the remaining hostages. (PNA)BNB/PFN