Two alleged Abu Sayyaf members linked to kidnap of Vietnamese nabbed

Two suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf group said to have taken part in the kidnapping of the crew of a Vietnamese ship were arrested on Wednesday.

The two were identified as Omar Harun and alleged sub leader Ara Samandi, according to a report on Unang Balita on Friday.

Initial investigation showed the two joined the attack on Vietnamese vessel MV Giang Hai in February.

They took with them six Vietnamese crew members.

One of the hostages was found dead over the weekend after a clash between government forces and the Abu Sayyaf in Patikul, Sulu. The clash also resulted in the death of four Abu Sayyaf members and one government trooper. Fifteen soldiers were wounded.

The military said 69 Abu Sayyaf members have been arrested since February. —KG, GMA News