Rescued kidnap victims turned over to Indonesian authorities

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Two Indonesians rescued from their Abu Sayyaf captors on Sunday were turned over to Indonesian authorities yesterday. 

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command chief, said Maharudin bin Lunani, 48, and Samiun bin Maneu, 26, were turned over to Indonesian Ambassador Sinyo Harry Sarundajang during a briefing held at the military headquarters in this city. 

Maharudin and Samiun were rescued on Sunday after a series of encounters between Abu Sayyaf bandits and government troopers in Barangay Pugad Manaul, Panamao, Sulu. 

“Our President Joko Widodo and Foreign Affairs Minister Madam Retno would like to thank you for your bravery and what you did... for us as brothers… The Army and the police took them in a very difficult situation with that encounter,” Sarundajang said.

Maharudin and Samiun along with Muhammad Farhan, 27, were snatched from their fishing vessel off Lahad Datu in Sabah on Sept. 23. Their kidnappers brought them to Sulu. 

Maharudin said their captors did not harm them but fed them only twice a day. He said they slept on the ground during their 90 days in captivity. 

A video earlier posted on social media showed the victims appealing to their employers and the Indonesian government to heed the ransom demand of the kidnappers. 

The victims, who were supposed to be flown to Indonesia, also yesterday, will be presented to Widodo and Marsudi.