TROOPS RESCUE VIET HOSTAGE

The Armed Forces has rescued three Vietnamese held hostaged by the Abu Sayyaf following an operation in Languyan, Tawi-Tawi.

The military’s morale got a boost recently after they were able to rescue three Vietnamese from the clutches of the Abu Sayaff following an operation in Languyan town in Tawi-Tawi.

They are confident they will soon be able to take back the 16 other hostages still being held by the kidnap-for-ransom group including seven foreigners and nine Filipinos.

“Operations by our ground units continue to yield positive results as we relentlessly pursue the bandits to thwart their kidnapping ploys and rescue their victims,” said Lt. Gen. Carlito Galvez, commanding general of the Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom).

A military report identified those rescued as Buy Xuan Vien, Bui Trung Duc and Nguten Quang Huy. They were immediately transported to Zamboanga City.

A fourth Vietnamese hostage identified as Nguyin Huu Trong was found dead when the military forces swooped down on the lair of the ASG at Kang Tipayan Island around 8 a.m. on Friday.

“He died due to a lingering illness. Huu Trong succumbed to death during his captivity,” said Galvez.

The four hostages were among crew members of theGiang Hai 5, a marine vessel intercepted by the ASG off the waters of Pangutaran in Sulu on Feb. 25.