PH troops in rescue of Indonesians from Abu Sayyaf given honor

MANILA, Philippines—The Indonesian government gave honor to Philippine soldiers who rescued four Indonesian nationals who were held captive by the Filipino terror group Abu Sayyaf in Tawi-Tawi province.

Indonesian Consul General Dicky Fabrian personally awarded a certificate of commendation to the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi, led by Gen. Arturo Rojas, in a small ceremony at the 2nd Marine Brigade Headquarters in Bongao, Tawi-Tawi last Saturday (June 26), the Armed Forces of the Philippines Western Mindanao Command said in a statement.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you all. Let us continue to intensify our good relations for the common good,” Fabrian was quoted as saying.

He said the “invaluable contribution of the Marines exemplifies their dedication and commitment to the mutual interest of the two countries.”

Four Indonesian nationals—Riswanto Bin Hayono, Arical Kastamiran, Arsyad Bin Dahalan and Mohammad Khairuldin Bin Yai Kii—were rescued by soldiers from the task force and policemen from Abu Sayyaf captivity last March.

The four were abducted off the waters of Tambisan, Malaysia on Jan. 17, 2020.

TSB