Abu Sayyaf insurgents and the captives (Source: VNA) Hanoi (VNA) - The Philippines on November 10 agreed to allow Malaysia and Indonesia to carry out pursuits of Abu Sayyaf insurgents in its territorial waters, as the three nations look to tackle kidnappings and piracy by the Islamic group.
The announcement was made by Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak after his meeting with visiting Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte.
He said the agreement would be further discussed at a meeting between the three countries on November 22 in Vientiane.
Abu Sayyaf rebels have intercepted slow-moving tugboats in waters near the sea borders of Malaysia and the Philippines, kidnapping dozens of Indonesian and Malaysian sailors.
Several hostages have been freed after paying ransom to the Abu Sayyaf, a group supposed to be linked to al-Qaeda and known for kidnappings and beheadings, including of two Canadians this year.
The group is holding another 15 captives, including a Dutch citizen, five Malaysians, two Indonesians and seven Filipinos.-VNA
