Kidnapped British couple rescued after Philippines gun battle

A British businessman and his Filipino wife have been rescued from their abductors in the southern Philippines, the country’s army has said.

Allan Arthur Hyrons, 70, and wife Wilma were taken from their beach resort on the southern island of Mindanao by four armed men on 4 October.

They were freed after a gun battle with the kidnappers in the neighbouring Sulu region at about 17:00 GMT on Sunday. The couple were taken for medical checks after their abductors fled.

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Source: bbc.co.uk

Navy ships ‘Ang Pangulo,’ ‘Emilio Jacinto’ deployed to Mindanao for relief ops, maritime patrol

By Martin Sadongdong

Philippine Navy (PN) vessels BRP “Ang Pangulo” (ACS25) and BRP “Emilio Jacinto” (PS35) were sent to Mindanao on Monday to help in the on-going relief operations for the victims of the series of earthquakes and for maritime security.

Vice Admiral Robert Empedrad, Navy Flag Officer in Command, led the send-off ceremony held at Pier 13, South Harbor in Manila.

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Source: news.mb.com.ph

‘No resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao’

Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Relentless military operations have prevented the resurgence of kidnapping in Mindanao.

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said recent reports of kidnapping could be the handiwork of mid-level Abu Sayyaf leaders who are out to make a living.

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Source: philstar.com

5 battalions of police commandos to fight Abu Sayyaf

By Aaron Recuenco

The five battalions of the police’s elite Special Action Force (SAF), which President Duterte early in his term had ordered to be formed, may see action in Mindanao as part of the effort to wipe out the extremist Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG).

Gen. Oscar Albayalde, chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), said the five battalions of SAF commandos are nearing completion of their commando training and would graduate as soon as they pass the test mission.

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Source: news.mb.com.ph

Westmincom to focus on Abu Sayyaf in Sulu

Roel Pareño

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The new leadership of the military’s Western Mindanao Command will rest the weight of its campaign in Sulu, considered among the remaining problem areas in Mindanao, its outgoing commander Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega said.

Dela Vega, who opted for early retirement from the service, will be replaced by Maj. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana in a change of command ceremony on Friday.

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Source: philstar.com

Naval Forces Western Mindanao gets new commander

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Vice Adm. Rene Empedrad, Philippine Navy chief, on Thursday installed a new commander for Naval Forces Western Mindanao to replace Vice Adm. Rene Medina, who now heads the Western Command in Palawan.

Rear Adm. Erick Kagadan replaces Medina at NFWM.

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Source: philstar.com