ZAMBOANGA CITY — A Vietnamese man kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf bandits in November last year was rescued by Philippine Navy personnel on Mataja Island in Basilan province on Sunday.
Rear Adm. Rene Medina, commander of Naval Forces Western Mindanao, said an intensified military offensive forced the bandits to leave behind Do Trung Huie, chief mate of the Vietnamese vessel MV Royal 16.
Huie is one of six Vietnamese nationals abducted from MV Royal 16 on Sibago Island in Mohammad Ajul town on Nov. 11 last year.
One of them, Hoang Vo, was rescued in Ungkaya Pukan town on June 16. Two others, Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Va Hai, were found dead in Sumisip town on July 5. Pham Minh Tuan and Tran Khac Dung remain in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf. —Julie S. Alipala