Freed Abu Sayyaf hostage turned over to Indonesian execs

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — An Indonesian hostage of the Abu Sayyaf rescued by the military on Wednesday was turned over to representatives of his government yesterday. 

Lt. Gen. Arnel dela Vega, Western Mindanao Command chief, turned over Samsul Saguni to Indonesian defense attaches Mohammad Reza Suud and Sigit Himawan at a military camp here. 

Dela Vega said Suud and Himawan thanked the Philippine military for its relentless operations against Abu Sayyaf bandits. 

The Indonesian authorities flew with Saguni to Manila. Saguni was set to return home after coordinating with the police Anti-Kidnapping Group.

Saguni and his compatriot Usman Yunos were snatched from a Malaysian fishing vessel in the waters off Semporna, Sabah last Sept. 11.          

Yunos was rescued in Panamao town after he escaped last Dec. 6. 

A Dutch man, a Vietnamese, two Indonesians and four Filipinos remain in the hands of the Abu Sayyaf.