ABU Sayyaf group freed three Indonesians who they abducted on January in 2017, a military official said on Sunday, September 16.

Western Mindanao Command spokesperson Lieutenant Colonel Gerry Besana said Hamdam Salim,34; Subandi Sattuh,27 and Sudarlan Samansung,41 were released to Brigadier General Divino Rey Pabayo Jr., commander of the Joint Task Force Sulu, former Governor Abdusakur Tan and Provincial Director of the Sulu Provincial Police Office Police Senior Superintendent Labra in Barangay Buanza, Indanan, Sulu around 4 p.m. on Saturday, September 15.

The said hostages were forcibly taken last January 18 while onboard a speedboat off the waters of Taganak Island, Tawi-Tawi.

They were immediately brought to the Kuta Heneral Teodulfo Bautista Station Hospital for medical check-up and custodial debriefing prior turn-over to the higher headquarters.

They will then be turned-over to the Indonesian Ambassador at the Western Mindanao Command. (SunStar Philippines)