The nine construction workers abducted by the Abu Sayyaf Monday morning have been rescued afternoon of the same day, the military reported.
Joint elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 11 (MBLT 11) and 64th Infantry Battalion under Joint Task Group- Basilan rescued the victims from their abductors in Barangay Kaumpamatsaken at around 4:40 in the afternoon.
First Lieutenant Sally Magno, JTG- Basilan public affairs officer, said the bandits, led by ASG sub-leader Juhaibel Alamsirul alias Abu Kik, were forced to release the workers when the pursuing troops closed in on them.
The nine men were working on a road project in Sumisip. They were aboard a truck owned by Abubakar Construction when they were seized by the bandits at around 8:45 a.m. in Barangay Benembengan.
Government troops got them back to safety after six hours of relentless pursuit operation.
The rescued victims were brought to 64IB headquarters for medical check up and debriefing.
