3 more Indonesian captives released in Sulu

Indonesians Lorens Koten, Arakian Emmanuel and Theodorus Kopong (right) pose with Indonesian Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu (third from left) and Lt. Gen. Mayoralgo de la Cruz on Sept. 18 after their release from captivity by the Abu Sayyaf Group. JULIE ALIPALA/ INQUIRER MINDANAO

Three more Indonesians held hostage by the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group were released in Sulu before noon on Sunday, according to Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Dureza.

Dureza said the hostages were turned over by Moro National Liberation Front chair Nur Misuari to Sulu Governor Totoh Tan.

“Chairman Misuari personally called me and informed me about another breakthrough in the efforts to recover hostages held by the Abu Sayyaf Group. I coordinated with Gen de la Vega, of Task Force Sulu to facilitate smooth turnover,” Dureza said in a statement.

“In the same phone call, Gov Tan confirmed that he had physical custody of the 3 Indonesians and he will in turn turn over their custody to the local AFP headed by Gen dela Vega,” he added.

Dureza said the Indonesians were identified by Tan as Edi Suryono, Ferry Arifin, and Muhamad Mabrur Dahri. CBB/rga