AN Indonesian fisherman was shot dead by his Abu Sayyaf captors as he reportedly tried to escape during a firefight between his abductors and government soldiers in Patikul town in Sulu on Monday, the military reported on Wednesday night.
The military’s Western Mindanao Command based in Zamboanga City declined to name the slain kidnap victim, pending validation of his identity, although Indonesian media identified him as La Baa.
The victim was among five fishermen abducted by the Abu Sayyaf off Sabah on January 16 this year and later brought to Sulu. The kidnappers have reportedly demanded P30 million for the release of the victims.
Wesmincom spokesman Lt. Col. Alaric delos Santos said the victim’s body was found on Tuesday by troops from the Army’s 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Maligay, Patikul town during pursuit operations.
A day earlier, the soldiers clashed with the Abu Sayyaf in the same barangay, leading to the death of Abu Sayyaf sub-leader Arsibar Sawadjaan, a bomb-maker and a cousin of fellow sub-leader Mundi Sawadjaan.
“Our troops were in pursuit of the fleeing local terrorist group members following an encounter, when they recovered the cadaver of the slain kidnap victim,” said 45th IB commander Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay.
Wesmincom chief Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr. said the victim was shot by his captors while escaping from his captors.
“Based on reports from the ground, during the encounter the KV (kidnap victim) had an opportunity to escape. While running away, he was fired upon by his abductors. His body was found 300 meters from the encounter site,” he said Vinluan.
The victim’s body was airlifted to Zamboanga City for the confirmation of his identity.
