Abu Sayyaf releases last known mariner hostages
Philippine authorities find four seafarers, believed to be Abu Sayyef’s last known seafarer hostages.
Four seafarers believed to be the terrorist group Abu Sayyef’s last seafarer hostages have been found alive by authorities in the Philippines. Their discovery ends a 14-month ordeal after they were taken hostage in January last year, reports ReCAAP.
The mariners were taken when six armed perpetrators boarded a Malaysian-registered fishing trawler. The vessel was later found abandoned; its eight crew had been abducted by the notorious Abu Sayyaf group that bases itself in the Sulu Sea area.
Three crew members were later found by Malaysian authorities. Unfortunately, a fourth crew member was found dead in September.
Although ReCAAP reports a 39% decrease in piracy and robbery incidents in the Sulu Sea, it warns that the Sulu-Celebes region is still dangerous.
