ZAMBOANGA CITY - Two Indonesians were released late Friday by the Abu Sayyaf in the island province of Sulu, the military reported Saturday.
Released were La Utu Bin La Raali and La Hadi La Edi, both skippers of Malaysia-registered fishing boats.
The Abu Sayyaf bandits seized the victims on November 5, 2016 between Pegasus Reef and Kuala Kinabatangan near the municipality of Turtle Islands, Tawi-Tawi.
The military said the two Indonesians were taken to the residence of former Sulu Gov. Abdusakur Tan, Sr. by a concerned citizen around 7:30 p.m. Friday in Barangay Asturias, Jolo town.
After providing them food and other personal needs, Tan notified Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander.
They were brought to the headquarters of Joint Task Force Sulu where they had undergone medical examination.
The Abu Sayyaf Group is still holding nine people captive that include three Indonesians, one Vietnamese, one Dutch and four Filipinos.
Government troops continue to scour the hinterlands of Sulu in a bid to locate and rescue the hostages. (PNA)
