Troops, cops rescue 9 Abu captives

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Military and police forces rescued the nine road construction workers, who were taken by the Abu Sayyaf group after six hours of hot pursuit operation in the mountains of Basilan, security officials said.

The security officials said the victims were among the 11 workers abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group led by Juhaiber Alamsirul alias “Abu Kik” Monday 9 a.m. at Barangay Upper Binembengan, Sumisip town.

Two of the victims managed to escape while at the height of the operation launched by the Joint Task Group Basilan (JTGB), said Senior Superintendent Oscar Nantes, Basilan provincial police director.

Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista, JTGB commander, said the combined forces of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 (MBLT), 64th Infantry Battalion (IB) and the local police launched the relentless pursuit.

"After six hours of continuous pursuit operation by the military troops, the Abu Sayyaf bandits led by sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias “Abu Kik” were pressured and forced to leave the kidnap victims to avoid being trapped by the pursuing troops,” Bautista said.

Bautista said the nine victims were recovered about 4:40 p.m. at Barangay Limbu Candis, Sumisip town by the government troops and Sumisip Mayor Gulam Hataman.

The victims, who were all workers of MACE Construction, were brought to the headquarters of the 64th IB for medical check-up and debriefing before they were escorted back to their province.

The military official said pursuit operations continued against the militants, blamed on the spate of bombings and attacks in the area.