Security forces rescue 2 kidnapped boat crew members in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Two kidnapped crew members of a fishing boat were rescued in Patikul, Sulu on Friday afternoon, Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, announced on Saturday.

Petinglay identified the rescued crew members as Reyjim Rocabo, 41 and Roel Leones, 37 both from Tukuran, Zamboanga Del Sur.

They were rescued by a team composed of members of the Anti-Kidnapping Group, the Sulu Provincial Police Office, and the 501st Infantry Brigade under Joint Task Force Sulu.

Rocabo and Leones are crewmen of FB Ramona 2, who, with two others, were kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf on Dec. 20, 2016 off the Celebes Sea.

The boat captain was beheaded on April 13, after mote was than three months in captivity.

Another crew member, Roy Ramos, escaped on June 8.

Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said the rescued crew members were put under the custody of the Anti Kidnapping Group and would be turned over to their families. /atm