Igorot captain leads successful rescue of couple kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf

Photo Courtesy || Ricofake Tagure FB

Cordillera - Philippine troops led by an Igorot captain rescued a British man and his Filipino wife who were abducted last month in the  southern beach resort  by the Abu Sayaf. 

Troops of the 2nd Special Forces Battalion of the Philippine Army headed by Igorot Cpt. Rico Tagure successfully freed the couple Allan Hyrons and his wife from the hand of the kidnappers, according to PTV.

Netizens praised the bravery of the troops after an intense 10-minute gun battle with members of the armed group.

According to Lt Gen Cirilito Sobejana, regional military commander, the troops were caught up with the Abu Sayyaf captors in the mountainous hinterlands of Parang town in Sulu province and the gun battle erupted.

"There was a running gun battle," Sobejena said. "They left the two behind because they could not drag them anymore. They scampered in different directions but our troops are in pursuit."

The freed hostages were not hurt in the exchange of fire and no ransom had been paid to the group, according to the military. 

A photo released by the military shows the couple smiling inside a military camp with the group of generals and army officers.

The British embassy thanked the Armed Forces of the Philippines for a job well done in rescuing Allan Hyrons and his wife.