10 Indonesians Kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf Militants in the Philippines
Ten Indonesians have reportedly been taken hostage by Al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf militants after their Indonesian vessel, en route from Banjarmasin (South Kalimantan) to the Philippines, was hijacked in Philippine waters. According to local media the Indonesian vessel (a tug boat) was found abandoned in the Philippines' Tawi-Tawi province and a USD $1 million ransom has been demanded in exchange for the crew's release. The incident apparently already happened on Saturday (26/03). Indonesia's Foreign Affairs Ministry and State Intelligence Agency (BIN) have confirmed the case.
The tug boat, together with a barge, were carrying about 7,000 tons of coal to Batangas (the Philippines) when the hijack occurred. The barge (including the coal) may still be under control of the kidnappers. The owner of the tug boat and coal barge received multiple telephone calls in which Abu Sayyaf militants demanded the ransom.
Abu Sayyaf, founded in the early 1990s, is a Al-Qaeda linked militant organization that is mentioned on US and Philippine lists of terrorist organizations. Similar to other radical Islam groups Abu Sayyaf is known for its bombings, extortion and kidnappings. The group, which is primarily active in the southern part of the Philippines, has pledged allegiance to the Islamic State (ISIS) group.
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