KOTA KINABALU: Eastern Sabah Security Command (Esscom) today confirmed that two Indonesians, kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf group three months ago, have been rescued by the Philippines security forces, this morning.
The duo, identified as Maharudin Lunani, 48, and Samiun Maneu, 27, were found safe after a gunfight between the military and the militant group.
Esscom commander Datuk Hazani Ghazali said the duo were rescued in Barangay Pugad Manaul, Panamo, Sulu.
"Both victims are currently under the care of the Philippines security forces and we are in contact with them for update, including of another victim who is still untraceable," he said.
The status of the third victim, Muhammad Farhan, 27, who was also abducted in September, was still unknown.
On Sept 23, three men were reported to have been abducted in the Lahad Datu waters near the Malaysia-Philippine maritime border at 11.50am.
Security forces conducted a search but only found an abandoned boat with its engine still running.
The gunmen were believed to have escaped towards Tawi-Tawi.