Two Vietnamese sailors who were kidnapped for ransom in November last year have been found dead, according to the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP).
The bodies of the two decapitated seafarers, identified as Hoang Thong and Hoang Va Hai, were found in Barangay Tumahubong in Sumisip town on Wednesday, according to AFP.
Six crew members of the Vietnamese-flagged bulk carrier Royal 16 were kidnapped in a hijacking last November off Basilan waters by the Philippines Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) terrorists. One of the crew members managed to escape, while three others remain captive.
A military spokesperson said that the group killed hostages as the government stood by its no-ransom policy.
The 5,610 dwt bulker was boarded by ten armed men, believed to be ASG members, who abducted the six crew members and wounded two. The attack occurred off Sibago Island.
“The Armed Forces of the Philippines condemns the recent beheading of two foreign captives of the ASG,” the army said in a statement.
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