MNLF secures release of Abu Sayyaf captives

09/20/2016 | 3:53 0 Posted in Local Issues, Regional, The World

A Norwegian, 3 Malasians and 2 Filipinos released-MNLF
The situation of insurgency in Southern Philippines is fluid with very frequent and swift changes. Sine, it is a regular affair, it becomes difficult to judge the likely turns that the events may take at any moment.

And then, came this news. The Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) had suddenly released four kidnapped foreigners that they had been holding captive. This included the three Indonesian fishermen abducted earlier this month and a Norwegian.

However, this release was neither spontaneous nor sudden since both Indonesia and the Philippines were in touch with the right sources that could make the release possible.
A Norwegian, 3 Malasians and 2 Filipinos released.

In fact, the positive role played by Nur Misuari and his Moro National Liberation Front in obtaining the release of the hostages from the Abu Sayyaf Group came in for a lot of praise for the wonderful role played by them.

The Philippine military is closest to the scene of action and has a good insight of the goings-on. Moreover, the intelligence reports indicated that MNLF played a positive role. it is a confidence-building measure by the Moro group and shows the kind of hold that the MNLF has.
Even the Indonesian government was thankful to Nur Miuari for the service that they had rendered in securing the release of their kidnapped fishermen.

This was reflected by the statement issued by the Defense Minister of Indonesia, Ryanmizard Ryancudu expressing gratitude to the MNLF for using their good offices to get their people back home safe.

In his address to the newsmen while at bahasa, he appreciated the assistance by the MNLF since they were aware of the terrain and the issues involved in the struggle of the Moros.

The chief of the Western Mindanao Command Lt. General Mayoralgo dela Cruz was at hand. He had supervised the operations. He agreed that the MNLF deserved all the praise since they had done the Indonesians and the Filipino army a good turn.

He confirmed that this was a direct result of the orders of the President to destroy the ASG; due to his orders, the combined efforts of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP), the police forces, the local administration, and the MNLF who all contributed to the effort of getting the fishermen and the Norwegian released.

The Abu Sayyaf Group antagonized a favorable Duterte. they have, therefore, probably swallowed more than they can chew. This reality seems to have dawned on the MNLF who have then taken the lead to organize a rescue mission and ensured freedom for the hostages.
Furthermore, it is an open secret that Duterte is not a man to mess around with. The President gave clear-cut orders to decimate the Abu Sayyaf group. This resulted in some quick action and things in Sulu are getting terribly heated up.

An additional battalions are moved to Sulu to accomplish the orders of the President.

Dela Cruz said that they were relying on some inside information. Because, a lot of common citizens voted wholeheartedly for Duterte. They are coming forward to supply vital information to the troops.

This will help achieve our goal of crippling the Abu Sayyaf Group. They are playing with fire and have underestimated the power of the country.
The Sulu spokesperson of the MNLF, Samsula Adiu informed that it was the hard work put in by Tahil Sali. He is the Vice-Chairman of the MNLF that culminated in the safe release of the hostages.

MNLF chief, Nur Misuari authorized Sali to engage in talks with Ruddulan Sahiron the leader of ASG. He sought the release of the Norwegian hostage, Kiartan Sekkingstad, whose was released from captivity on Saturday.

On his release, Sekkingstad had wholeheartedly thanked Nur Misuari. The MNLF later issued a statement saying that no ransom had been paid.

However, Muammar Askali, of ASG stated that a ransom of P 30 million had exchanged hands. Furthermore, he declared that two Filipino hostages had also been freed later.

Maj. Filemon Tan Jr, the spokesperson of the Western Mindanao command, , stated that two Filipinos were released. This was on account of sustained pressure by the military late on Sunday night.

The two employees of a local telecom company were abducted on August 6th at Patikul town.