UK thanks PH for rescuing Brit, Filipino wife abducted in Sulu

MANILA, Philippines — The British Embassy on Monday thanked the Philippine government following the rescue of a British man and his Filipino wife who were abducted by armed men believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

British national Allan Arthur Hyrons and his wife Wilma were rescued around 8:25 a.m. on Monday following an encounter with Abu Sayyaf gunmen in the border villages of Silangkan and Taha in the town of Parang, Sulu.

“We welcome the rescue of Alan and Wilma Hyrons, who were kidnapped on 4 October. We extend our gratitude to the government and authorities of the Philippines,” the British Embassy said in a statement.

Daniel Pruce, the British Ambassador to the Philippines and Palau, welcomed the rescue of the couple in a tweet: “Fantastic news! My sincerest thanks to all involved.”

Fantastic news! My sincerest thanks to all involved. https://t.co/5h6MErkpP4

— Daniel Pruce 🇬🇧 (@DanielPruce) November 25, 2019

The couple was abducted last Oct. 4 in their beach resort in Barangay Alindahaw in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur.