By JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL, Managing Editor

ZAMBOANGA CITY

The cadaver of an Indonesian kidnap victim was recovered by military troops in Sulu in the afternoon of Tuesday, September 29.

“Our troops were in pursuit of the fleeing local terrorist group members following an encounter, when they recovered the cadaver of the slain kidnap victim,” said Lt. Col. Ruben Guinolbay, Commanding Officer of the 45th Infantry Battalion (45IB).

The troops of the 45IB were scouring the enemy withdrawal route, about 300m from the encounter site along Barangay Maligay, Patikul,  Sulu.

“Based on facial recognition, our intelligence officer identified the kidnap victim as one of the five Indonesian kidnap victims; however, name is being withheld for further confirmation,” said Brig. Gen. William Gonzales, Joint Task Force (JTF) Sulu Commander.

“His remains will be transported to Zamboanga City for further confirmation”, Brig. Gen. Gonzales added.

Meanwhile, “based on reports from the ground, during the encounter the kidnap victim had an opportunity to escape. While running away, he was fired upon by his abductors. His body was found 300 meters from the encounter site,” Lt. Gen. Corleto Vinluan, Jr., commander of the Western Mindanao Command stated.

“We are yet to reconfirm before we reveal the full identity of the victim,” Lt. Gen. Vinluan added.

He said Army troops are still in pursuit of the fleeing enemies. (JULMUNIR I. JANNARAL)