Indonesia honors Pinoy troops for citizens’ rescue

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — The Indonesian government has awarded troopers of the Joint Task Force Tawi-Tawi (JTFT) for the recent rescue of four of its citizens who were seized by Abu Sayyaf bandits in Tawi-Tawi.

Through Consul General Dicky Fabrian, the Indonesian government presented a certificate of commendation to JTFT commander Brig. Gen. Arturo Rojas, citing Filipino troopers for their concerns and assistance, which resulted in the rescue of the four captives on March 18 and 21.

Fabrian personally presented the commendation to the Marines during a visit at the 2nd Marine Brigade headquarters in Barangay Sanga-Sanga, Bongao town on Saturday.

Fabrian said the efforts of the troops showed the military’s dedication in strengthening the bilateral cooperation between Indonesia and the Philippines.

“I would like to express my sincere gratitude to you all. Let us continue to intensify our good relations for the common good,” Fabrian said during the ceremony.

Rojas thanked the Indonesian government for the recognition.

He gave assurance that the military would continue to intensify its mission of securing both Indonesians and Filipino seafarers in the southern part of the country.

The rescue of the Indonesian fishermen resulted in the death of Manjan Sahijuan, alias Apo Mike, leader of the Abu Sayyaf kidnapping group, and his two followers.

Two other bandits were captured during the encounter.

Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan Jr., chief of the Western Mindanao Command, thanked the Indonesian government for recognizing the Filipino soldiers.

“I hope that our successes will continue to foster better understanding among us while we continue to relentlessly address security concerns on our shared maritime waters,”Vinluan said.