Troops rescue companion of abducted policewomen

MANILA - Government forces rescued on Tuesday, May 8, one of the two companions of the two policewomen who were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf last week in Patikul, Sulu.

Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu commander Brigadier General Cirilito Sobejana said Wednesday, May 9, that troops of the Marine Battalion Landing Team rescued Blas Jackosalim Ahamad around 2 p.m. Tuesday in Sitio Budjang, Barangay Libog Kabao, Panglima Estino, Sulu.

He said Ahamad underwent a medical examination and was later on brought to the JTF Sulu headquarters where he underwent custodial debriefing before he was turned over to his family.

Ahamad, Police Officer 3 Benierose Alvarez, Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad and Faizal Ahidji Hambali were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Group led by sub-leader Almujer Yadah on April 29 while on board a tricycle in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.

On May 5, though, Hambali was released by the bandit group in Sitio Daang Puti, Barangay Bangkal, in Patikul, Sulu.

Sobejana said Hambali gave them “valuable information” that resulted in the troops successfully rescuing Ahamad.

He said rescue operations will continue for the remaining kidnap victims.

“With the support of the local government units, the religious lead- ers, the Sultanate of Sulu, other stakeholders and the community as a whole, we may be able to safely rescue the remaining KVs from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf,” he said.

On May 7, at least three Abu Sayyaf members were killed, while seven soldiers were wounded in an encounter that ensued as the troops tried to rescue the kidnapped police personnel.

Earlier, Philippine National Police Chief Oscar Albayalde said the Abu Sayyaf is demanding P5 million for the release of the policewomen.

But Albayalde maintained that the government will not give in to such demand, adding that rescue operations will continue.