9 workers seized by Abu Sayyaf rescued

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security forces have rescued the nine remaining workers taken hostage by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Sumisip, Basilan on Monday morning.

Security officials said the victims were among the 11 laborers seized by the bandits in Barangay Upper Binembengan.

Two of them managed to escape at the height of a pursuit operation launched by the Joint Task Group Basilan (JTGB), according to Basilan police director Senior Superintendent Oscar Nantes.

JTGB chief Col. Rolando Joselito Bautista said the pursuit operation, which lasted six hours, was launched by combined forces of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11, the Army’s 64th Infantry Battalion and the local police. 

“After six hours of continuous operation, the bandits led by Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik were forced to abandon the hostages,” Bautista said.

He said the victims were rescued at past 4 p.m. in Barangay Limbu Candis, Sumisip, just hours after they were kidnapped.

The victims, all workers of Mace Construction, were brought to the headquarters of the 64th IB for medical checkup and debriefing.