ZAMBOANGA CITY – Philippine troops have rescued Friday two Coast Guard members kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf following a fierce firefight with rebels in the southern province of Sulu, officials said.
Captain Roy Trinidad, a military spokesman, said Gringo Villaruz and Rodlyn Pagaling were recovered in the village of Buanza in Indanan town where security forces killed at least 15 Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the firefight that began over the weekend.
He said 7 soldiers were injured in the clash with about 100 rebels under Yasser Igasan and Alhabsy Misaya.
Troops were sent to the area to rescue the victims when they encountered the rebels. Both Igasan and Misaya are notorious commanders of the dreaded group tagged by the military as behind the spate of deadly attacks and ransom kidnappings in the troubled region.
“Villaruz was safely recovered by the operating troops of the 1st Scout Ranger Battalion under Lieutenant Colonel Eugene Boquio. The other Coast Guard is now also with government troops,” Trinidad told the regional newspaper Mindanao Examiner.
The rescue came days after rebels beheaded village chieftain Roberto Buligao after his poor family failed to pay ransom. The Abu Sayyaf said they will also decapitate the two hostages if ransom is not paid.
The Abu Sayyaf had demanded P10 million for the freedom of the three men who were kidnapped together on May 4 in Aliguay Island off Dapitan City in Zamboanga del Norte province.
The rebels are still holding several Filipino and foreigners they kidnapped in other areas in southern Philippines and brought to Sulu. (With a report from E. Dumaboc)
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