Freed Norwegian ASG hostage now in Davao City

[UPDATED] Maj Filemon Tan, spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command has reported on Monday, September 19, that terrorist group Abu Sayyaf has released 2 Filipino captives.

 The sustained military operations pressure the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) and continue to result in the consecutive releases of the kidnap victims these past few days.

On September 18, 2016 at 10:30 pm, kidnap victims Daniela Taruc and Levy Gonzales were released by their ASG captors in Barangay Tiptipon, Panglima Estino, Sulu. Recovered by a concerned citizen, the released kidnap victims were sub-contractors of a Telecom company and employees of Power City Corp who were kidnapped by undetermined armed men in Barangay Timpook, Patikul, Sulu last August 06, 2016. The released victims were brought to the headquarters of the Joint Task Force Sulu to undergo medical check-up prior being turned over to the proper authorities.

The release is the result of the continuous effort of the Joint Task Force Sulu, led by Brigadier General Arnel Dela Vega, in its continuing focused military operations in collaboration with police counterparts to destroy the ASG in the province.

In a press conference in Davao City, President Rodrigo Duterte presented to the press the newly released hostage of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian national who was abducted by the terrorist group in Samal Island in September last year.

Screengrab from ANC newscast.

Duterte thanked peace adviser Jesus Dureza, former Sulu Governor Sakurtan and MNLF Nur Misuari for their efforts in the negotiations and securing the release of the hostage. Duterte said that the negotiation took longer, he is glad that the hostage is now finally freed.

Kjartan Sekkingstad was released by his captors to MNLF chief Nur Misuari around 2pm on September 17, together with 3 other Indonesian hostages which are now en route to Jakarta, Indonesia.

Sekkingstad also gave a brief statement thanking the Philippine and Norwegian governments. He said he is "happy to be alive and free."

Norwegian ambassador to the Philippines also thanked Duterte for his personal commitment to help the captive even before he assumed the Presidency.

Watch the press conference below courtesy of RTVM:

Presidential Peace Adviser Jesus Jess Dureza facilitated the safe return of Norwegian hostage Kjartan Sekkingstad today.

They landed in Davao City this afternoon from Jolo and they were met by Norwegian Ambassador Erik Førner and Mr. Ed Bangayan.

Photos courtesy of OPAPP Assistant Secretary Dickson Hermoso.