Body of Abu Sayyaf kidnap victim found in Sulu identified —JTF Sulu

Indonesian authorities and the family of the victim have already identified the body recovered by government troops in Patikul, Sulu last September 30, the Joint Task Force Sulu said on Friday.

According to JTF Sulu, the Indonesian was identified as 35-year-old La Aba. He was one of the five Indonesians who were abducted by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group.

Based on the medical findings, the military said the victim had no gunshot wound but a bruise was found on his head. The cause of his death is yet to be determined.

Aside from hunting local terrorists, the JTF Sulu is also performing rescue operations for kidnap victims.

JTF Sulu chief Brigadier General William Gonzales claimed the Abu Sayyaf, a small but violent band of Islamic fundamentalists, is already "deteriorating" due to the heavy casualties from series of encounters and mass surrenders of its members.

"In as much as we want to finish the ASG the soonest possible time, the safety of the kidnap victims during operations is our equally significant concern," Gonzales said.

"We abide on rules of engagement during armed encounters to safely rescue the kidnap victims and destroy the ASG," he added. —Anna Felicia Bajo/KBK, GMA News