MANILA, Philippines — Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Spokesperson Marine Brig. Gen. Edgard Arevalo said Sunday that two Indonesians who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf in September were rescued early Sunday (22 December 2019) in Sulu.

And despite the latest development, Arevalo said operations against the kidnap for ransom group will continue even during the holidays.

“If the terrorist ASG thinks we have operations holiday, they are terribly mistaken. We will not stop hunting them down until we have neutralized them and freed the victims they detain for money,” Arevalo said.

It was through the gallant efforts of the 4th Marine Brigade that the Indonesian captives in Barangay Pugad, Panamao were rescued in the high-risk operation where a soldier was allegedly killed.

Namely, the Indonesians rescued were Maharudin Bin Lunani and Samiun Bin Maneu. Another Indonesian Muhammad Farhan, who was kidnapped in the seawaters off Lahad Datu, Sabah last September 23, 2019, was also reportedly rescued.

“While we mourn the loss of one of our valiant Marines, we will not be deterred. To him, we say his sacrifice will neither be forgotten nor wasted. We will honor him and be with his family to assist its members in their moment of grief,” Arevalo said during a press briefing.

In the same operation, an ASG terrorist was also killed and several firearms, including one M-16, one M-203, and one gunner rig with ammunition, were recovered. (IAMIGO/CNS)