AFP honors PH marines who rescued 4 Indonesians from Abu Sayyaf

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Zamboanga del Sur — The marines who rescued four Indonesian hostages from the Abu Sayyaf last March have been awarded cash and medals, according to a statement issued by the Western Mindanao Command of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).

Marine troopers in Tawi-Tawi have been awarded cash and medals for successfully rescuing four Indonesian nationals from the hands of their Abu Sayyaf abductors.

General Cirilito Sobejana, AFP Chief of Staff, personally handed the cash and commendations to the troopers, on behalf of President Rodrigo Duterte.

“I congratulate the awardees and laud the hard work and dedication of the marine troops in accomplishing their mission,” Sobejana said in a statement.

A distinguish Navy Cross was conferred to Col. Nestor Narag Jr., deputy commander of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, for the successful rescue of Indonesian nationals Riswanto Bin Hayono, Arical Kastamiran, Arsyad Bin Dahalan and Mohammad Khairuldin Bin Yai Kii from the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.

The four Indonesian nationals, were all employed under Malaysian Fishing Company when they were abducted by the Abu Sayyaf off the waters of Tambisan, Malaysia on January 17, last year.

They were rescued in the waters off Pasigan Island, South Ubian, Tawi-Tawi and in Kalupag Island, Languyan, Tawi-Tawi on March 18 and 22 this year.

Narag also orchestrated a comprehensive Fleet Marine combat operation and provided command and control to the operating sailors and marines who engaged the enemies, resulting in the death of Abu Sayyaf Group leader Majan Sahidjuan, also known as Apo Mike, and two of his followers.

The Special Intelligence Team under the 2nd Marine Brigade also got the Silver Cross Medal for providing timely intelligence that led to the successful combat clearing operations in Kalupag Island, Languyan and Tandungan Island, Tandubas in Tawi-Tawi on March 19 to 24 this year.

A monetary reward amounting to P2 million was also handed to the units involved in the successful neutralization of Sahidjuan and followers.

“We have to make ourselves happy all the time so that we become more productive. I always translate happiness into productivity, no matter where we are,” Sobejana said.

“To the commanders, let us always strike a good balance between the accomplishment of our mission and the morale and welfare of our soldiers,” Sobejana added.

The awarding and handing over of monetary reward were held at the covered court inside the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao, Tawi-Tawi around 10 a.m., on Sunday.

JPV