Jakarta, Aktual.com – Defence Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu revealed that nearly half the members of the Abu Sayyaf had been disabled Philippine soldiers in an attack on the headquarters of the separatist group on Basilan island, near Mindanao.
“The number of them (Abu Sayyaf) the approximately 300 people, if I count from the report (Philippine Army) who died had 115 or 120 people so significant (reduction),” said Ryamizard after chairing Apple Holds National Defense State in the field cross National Monument, Jakarta, Tuesday (23/8).
After ‘cleaning’ the headquarters of the Abu Sayyaf in Basilan, including underground hideout, armed forces in cooperation with the Philippines ‘Moro National Liberation Front’ (MNLF) went on strike at another base on the island of Jolo, Sulu waters.
According to him, this effort shows the seriousness of the Philippine government deal with the rebel movement in the sovereign territory of the country, as well as to free nine hostages citizen who is still a prisoner of the group.
In fact, he said, strikes and attack Philippine army are believed to make Abu Sayyaf members alert to careless oversee hostage two of which the citizen escaped on August 17.
“They (Abu Sayyaf) the continuous push them right guard against attacks from the Philippine army, until he was not aware of the prisoner. Prisoner see ya chance he ran away. It was due to pressure Philippine soldiers,” said Defence Minister.
Although it can not ensure the return of two Indonesians named Ismail (22) and Muhammad Sofyan (28), but the Minister of Defense plans to use both citizen information such as driveways save nine other citizen.
Meanwhile, TNI Commander Gen. Gatot Nurmantyo explained that both citizen from South Sulawesi are in good health and are now at the Indonesian Embassy in Manila.
“They are in Manila with the ambassador (Indonesia to the Philippines), (his return) we leave it to the ambassador,” said the Commander.
Ismail and Muhammad Sofyan are two of the seven citizen ABK ‘Tugboat Charles’ hijacked armed groups in the waters of Sulu, southern Philippines on June 20, 2016.
While other crew members, namely Ferry Arifin Muh Mahbrur Dahri, Edi Suryono, Muhammad Nasir and Robin Piter still being held hostage.
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