ZAMBOANGA CITY -- The Abu Sayyaf bandits have released three of the seven Indonesian sailors they kidnapped more than three months ago in the Sulu Sea, a military official said Sunday.
Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) spokesman Filemon Tan Jr. said the three Indonesian sailors were released Saturday night, October 1, in an undisclosed location to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF).
Released were Ferry Arifin, Dan Edi Suryono, and Mohammad Mahbur.
The foreigners were turned over by MNLF founding chairman Nur Misuari to Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan II at 11:15 a.m. Sunday, October 2.
"Chairman Misuari requested me to relay this new development to President (Rodrigo) Duterte, in whose behalf I expressed gratitude for the efforts," said presidential peace adviser Jesus Dureza.
The Indonesians were immediately taken to the Camp Teodulfo Bautista Hospital for medical checkup and debriefing prior to their turnover to proper authorities.
Their release is an offshoot of the ongoing focused military operations against the bandits, with the assistance of the MNLF.
"These recent breakthroughs were a convergence of efforts that President Duterte initiated getting the cooperation of the MNLF, the local governments, the stakeholders and the AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) through their ongoing military operations in the area," Dureza said.
The three were among the seven Indonesian crew of Tugboat Charles the bandits have seized in the vicinity of Simisa Island, Banguingui (formerly Tongkil), Sulu.
Two of their companions remain in captivity since the other two were separately recovered by the troops on August 17 in Luuk, Sulu.
Recovered in Luuk town were Ismael, the chief officer of Tugboat Charles, and crewman Mohammad Sofyan.
Tan said efforts continue to recover the remaining hostages in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits still have 13 captives, including two Indonesians, five Malaysians, four Filipinos, and a Dutchman birdwatcher.
The AFP has deployed additional troops in the area to pursue the bandits. (With Third Anne Peralta-Malonzo/SDR/Sunnex)