JAKARTA, July 11 (Xinhua) -- Indonesian Military Commander Gatot Nurmantyo revealed on Monday that Abu Sayyaf terrorist group is the perpetrator of the abduction of three Indonesian fishermen in Malaysian water on Saturday.
The three fishermen have been removed to the Philippine territory, the general disclosed.
"The abductors are Abu Sayyaf Group. The abducted fishermen were brought to the Philippines,"the general said at the State Palace.
That is the fourth kidnapping of Indonesian nationals by the Abu Sayyaf group this year, which occurs amid the government efforts to release seven Indonesian seamen who are being taken hostage by the group.
On June 20, seven crews of Tugboat Charles 001 and Robby barge ship 152, were taken hostages in the Sulu Sea of the southern Philippines. The kidnappers released six out 13 people on boards, according to Indonesian foreign ministry.
The abduction occurred after the governments of Indonesia, Malaysia and the Philippines reached an agreement in May to conduct a joint patrol to secure the waterways along the border of the nations.
