Indian escapes from Sayyaf captors in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – An Indian national escaped from his Abu Sayyaf captors before dawn yesterday, after more than a year in captivity in the jungles of Patikul town in Sulu, authorities said.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu police director, said Biju Kolara Veetil was recovered by the Patikul police at around 4 a.m. yesterday in Barangay Kadday Mampalam.

“He took advantage of escaping while his captors were resting maybe because they were fasting in this period of Ramadan,” Freyra said.

“The victim is now okay but he lost weight after his more than a year of captivity. He was haggard and under stress,” Freyra added.

Biju, 37, who is married to a Filipina Muslim, was visiting his in-laws in Patikul when he was seized on June 22 last year from his wife’s residence in Barangay Timpook.

The kidnappers were identified as Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Jurim Hussin and his followers Ninok Sappari, Mamih Samlahun, Almudjir Yadah, and Namil Aharadji.