Teenage Indonesian hostage rescued

Kota Kinabalu: The Philippine security forces have rescued a 15-year-old Abu Sayyaf captive, who was among five Indonesian fishermen abducted in the Tambisan waters off Lahad Datu last year.

The victim, identified as Mohd Khairuldin, was rescued in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi at 6.30am Sunday. Mohd Khairuldin’s rescue came three days after three other hostages, Arizal Kasta Miran, 30, Arsad Dahlan, 41, and Andi Riswanto Hayano, 26, were saved.

Sabah Police Commissioner Datuk Hazani Ghazali, when contacted, confirmed the matter.

“Mohd Khairuldin is the last hostage to be rescued with regards to the kidnapping case in Tambisan waters,” he said.

According to the Indonesian Foreign Ministry’s statement, the trio was rescued in the waters of Tawi-Tawi when the boat used by their captives capsized in a rough sea. They were being transferred by the group from Indanan, Sulu, to another place. Western Mindanao Command Commander Lieutenant General Corleto Vinluan Jr was reported saying all rescued hostages were safe.

It was also reported that the Philippine security forces were able to neutralise Abu Sayyaf sub-commander Apo Mike, who was responsible for the series of kidnap-for-ransom incidents in Sabah waters.

Apo Mike: Shot dead.

Apo Mike, whose real name was Majan Sahidjuan, was listed among 21 individuals wanted by the Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom).

He was shot dead during a firefight with the Philippines marine troops in Tawi-Tawi, on Saturday.

In January 2020, an armed group kidnapped five Indonesian fishermen who were working on a Malaysian fishing boat in Tambisan waters.

It was reported that one of the hostages identified as La Baa, 32, was found dead on Sept 28, 2020, in Patikul, Sulu, Philippines.