Two of five Malaysian Abu Sayyaf hostages rescued

KOTA KINABALU - Two of five Malaysian sailors held hostage by Abu Sayyaf gunmen have been rescued during an operation in waters between Jolo and Pata islands in southern Philippines.

The two Tayudin Anjut, 45, and Abdul Rahim Sumas, 62, were rescued during a Philippines marine operation at Jolo’s coastal province of Kalingalan Caluang at about 2am Thursday.

Philippines military spokesman Colonel Edgard Arevalo confirmed the rescue during the operations.

The two, who were looking scared and tired were “alright” and have been sent to the Camp Teodulfo Station Hospital in Bus-Bus, Jolo for medical observation.

It was learned that the three other kidnapped sailors were being held by another Abu Sayyaf sub-commander who is also on the run to evade the massive military operations.

The five Malaysians were abducted from their tugboat on July 18 and their Abu Sayyaf kidnappers had initially demanded a 100mil pesos (about RM10mil) ransom. The ransom was believed to have been reduced to 30mil pesos (about RM3mil).

The Philippines military said that it was a rescue operation and there were no ransom payments made.