TEMPO.CO, Manila - Militant armed group Abu Sayyaf has freed an Indonesian hostage, Herman Manggak, on a remote island in southern Philippines, a few days after six other hostages were handed over through a separatist group, which signed a peace deal with the Philippine government.
General Arnek dela Vega of the Armed Forces of the Philippines on Thursday, September 22, 2016, said that Herman confirmed that Herman was released by Abu Sayyaf and handed him over to the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Wednesday night. Herman, who was kidnapped on September 4, 2016, was extracted by the Philippine Military the day after.
"The release of the victim is the result of relentless focused military operations, combined with efforts of different sectors, particularly the local government unit of Sulu and other stakeholders," dela Vega said as quoted by Reuterson September 22, 2016.
Dela Vega said that they had no information on whether ransom was paid for the release, although it is widely believed that no hostages have been freed without payment.
The 30-year old hostage, who was kidnapped in Kinabatangan, Sabah, looked relieved and asked for food after arriving at an army base.
Last week, Abu Sayyaf, known for kidnappings, extortion and beheadings in the south of the Philippines released three Indonesians, two Filipinos and a Norwegian on the island of Jolo. Currently, the group is still holding 15 hostages consisting of five Indonesians, five Malaysians, four Filipinos, and a Dutch national
REUTERS|YON DEMA
