‘Dutch man, 4 others still held by Abu Sayyaf in Sulu’

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Dutch birdwatcher Ewold Horn is among five persons still being held by Abu Sayyaf bandits in the jungles of Sulu, a businessman who was freed on Sunday has confirmed.

Jelster Ed Quimbo, 28, who was released in Barangay Anuling, Patikul, told the military that during his captivity, he saw Horn, a Vietnamese and three Filipinos, whom he did not identify.

Horn is the longest held captive of the Abu Sayyaf. He was kidnapped along with fellow bird watcher Swiss Lorenzo Vinciguerra on Feb. 1, 2012 in Panglima Sugala, Tawi-Tawi.

Vinciguerra was rescued on Dec. 6, 2014 after he fought his guards and escaped during a military operation also in Patikul.

The military had earlier dismissed reports that Horn had died due to an ailment.

Vinciguerra had said Horn was only “too weak” to join him when he escaped.

Quimbo said the hostages are in “good condition.”

He said the number of bandits who were guarding them got fewer each day amid sustained military operations.

The military said the information that Quimbo provided would be a big help in locating and rescuing the remaining hostages.

Authorities said they are also verifying reports that three Indonesian crewmembers of a fishing vessel, who were snatched in the waters off Sabah last month, were brought to Sulu.

A new Army division was activated last month to run after Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Armed Forces of the Philippines chief Gen. Benjamin Madrigal said additional soldiers would also be deployed in Sulu to augment the newly created 11th Infantry ”Alakdan” Division.