3 construction workers rescued from Abu Sayyaf in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines–Government forces on Thursday morning rescued three construction workers who were kidnapped by members of the Abu Sayyaf group in Akbar town in Basilan.

Captain Maria Rowena Muyuela, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, said the three construction workers–Edgar Francisco, Sammy Siason and Alex Francisco–were abducted Thursday morning in Barangay Cadayan, also in Akbar town.

The victims, all residents of Isabela, Basilan, were on board the company truck when flagged down and forcibly taken by five armed men.

Muyuela said police and military forces immediately conducted pursuit operations, forcing the bandits to release their captives an hour later.