3 kidnapped Indonesians released in the Philippines by militant group Abu Sayyaf

MNLF rebels aboard a vehicle. Three Indonesian nationals were released to the MNLF by their Abu Sayyaf captors in the southern Philippine province of Sulu on Saturday (Sept 17) night. PHOTO: AFP

ZAMBOANGA CITY (THE PHILIPPINE DAILY INQUIRER/ASIA NEWS NETWORK) - Three Indonesian nationals were freed by their Abu Sayyaf captors in the southern Philippine province of Sulu on Saturday (Sept 17) night.

Professor Samsula Adju, spokesman of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) in Sulu, said the freed kidnap victims were already with Nur Misuari in Indanan town.

"Yes, they were released to the MNLF by the ASG," Prof Adju said, adding that the Indonesians would be turned over to the government on Sunday.

Professor Octavio Dinampo, a university professor based in Sulu, identified the freed victims as Lorens Koten, Theodores Kopong and a certain Emmanuel.

"I heard 30 million pesos (S$855,400) was paid to the Abu Sayyaf Group," Prof Dinampo said.

The three, who were kidnapped last July 19 in Lahad Datu, spent the night with Misuari in Indanan town. They joined Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, who was also freed on Saturday.

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