ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines — The body of an Indonesian captive found by government troopers in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday has been identified.
Indonesian authorities and the family of the victim said the body was that of La Baa, the Joint Task Force Sulu reported yesterday.
“Based on medical findings, no gunshot wound was found in his body. However, a bruise was seen on his head. The cause of death has yet to be determined,” the task force said.
This was contrary to earlier reports that the hostage was shot by his Abu Sayyaf captors while trying to escape during an encounter with soldiers in Barangay Maligay in Patikul town.
La Baa was found dead by soldiers of the 45th Infantry Battalion hours after the clash that killed suspected bomb maker Arsibar Sawadjaan.
The fatality was among the five crewmembers of a fishing boat kidnapped off Tambisan island near the border of Sabah on Jan. 16.
The remaining Indonesians – Arsyad Dahlan, 41, skipper of the fishing boat; fishermen Arizal Kastamiran, 29; Riswanto Hayano, 27, and Edi Lawalopo, 53 – are the remaining hostages of Abu Sayyaf bandits.
“Inasmuch as we want to finish the Abu Sayyaf the soonest possible time, the safety of kidnap victims during operations is our equally significant concern. We abide by the rules of engagement to safely rescue kidnap victims,” task force commander Brig. Gen. William Gonzales said.