Troops rescue 12 Malaysians off S. Philippine waters

COTABATO CITY, Philippines, Aug. 1 (Xinhua) -- Government security forces have rescued Wednesday at least 12 Malaysian nationals off the waters of Southern Philippine province of Maguindanao, a military official said.

Col. Prudencio Asto, Army's 6th Infantry Division Public Affairs chief, said the victims were rescued by elements of 51st Marine Company floating near the coastal village of Pura in Datu Blah town.

Asto said the Malaysians, on board Woodman 38 and Woodman 39 vessels from the Port of Miri Sarawak, Malaysia, were heading to Indonesia when they were stopped and taken as hostage by pirates.

"They were taken as hostage for several days based on their accounts and the pirates took all their belongings. When their captors learnt that Malaysian authorities are looking for them, they were ordered to jump off the boats," Asto said.

"Local residents, who saw them floating, immediately informed our troops," he added.

Asto said they brought the Malaysians to the hospital in Datu Odin town for medical checkup. Enditem

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