Five Malaysian hostages among 13 captives are on the run along with their Abu Sayyaf captors in the mountainous jungles of Jolo due to intense Philippines military operations.
Jolo anti-kidnapping activist Octavio Dinampo said the five hostages were constantly moving the jungles of the southern Philippines island. They were kidnapped from a tugboat near Dent Haven in Lahad Datu on July 18.
"The Abu Sayyaf are facing problem in keeping their captives. They move around at night and by first daylight the military is already tracking them down," Professor Octavio told The Star Online.
"It is a tough situation for the captives because they are always on the move and food for them will be scarce. It is hard to say if all these hostages can survive their ordeal," he added.
He also identified the five Malaysians as Abd Rahim Summas, Tayuddin Anjut, Mohd Ridzuan Ismail, Fandy Bakran and Mohd Zumadil Rahim. They were being by captured by gunmen sub commander Majan Sahidjuan, or more commonly known as Apo Mike.
Prof. Octavio said the Abu Sayyaf militants were known to be constantly moving around the jungles of Patikul, Indanan and Parang as they were having problems to hold on to their hostages.
The Philippines military had already dispatched 9,000 soldiers to Jolo and the operations were focused on five municipalities including those three jungles.
"Jolo is flooded with soldiers at the moment," Prof. Octavio added.
Philippine President Rodrigo Duterte warned the Abu Sayyaf group recently that he would eat them "alive" as they were "beyond redemption."
Duterte threatened the group who are linked to the Al-Qaeda terror group after the deadly bomb blast that killed 14 people and injuring 67 others in his hometown of Davao last week.
