ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – A Filipino fisherman kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits last year has escaped from his captors.
Officials of Barangay Lagtoh in Talipao, Sulu rescued Roy Ramos yesterday morning, said Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu (JTFS) commander, quoting Talipao Mayor Sitti Raya Tulawie.
Ramos told barangay officials that he escaped on Tuesday and wandered for about two days before he was rescued.
Ramos and three other crewmembers of F/B Ramona were taken while fishing in Celebes Sea on Dec. 20. The bandits also took boat captain Noel Esconde, marine diesel mechanic Reyjim Rocabo and crewmember Roel Liones, all residents of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.
Sobejana said Ramos underwent medical examination at the headquarters of JTFS in Barangay Bus-bus, Jolo.
The Abu Sayyaf is still holding more than a dozen foreign and local hostages, who they reportedly divided into groups to evade military operations.
Military officials expressed confidence they can beat the June 30 deadline to finish off the Abu Sayyaf, with the success of military operations and the surrender of more bandits. They said surrenderees provide information on the location of their cohorts.
On Wednesday, suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits kidnapped a nine–year-old boy in Barangay San Raymundo, Jolo, Sulu.
The family of the victim said they have yet to receive any ransom demand from the kidnappers.