Confirming the identities of 2 Vietnamese killed by Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines

The two victims were Vietnamese citizens Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Van Hai, crew members of the Royal 16 ship kidnapped by Abu Sayyaf in November 2016.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vu Hong Nam answered questions about the case of two Vietnamese hostages being murdered by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf in the Philippines.

Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs Vu Hong Nam. Photo: World and Vietnam.

PV:Could you please give us information about the case of two Vietnamese hostages being murdered by the terrorist group Abu Sayyaf and Vietnam's response?

Deputy Minister Vu Hong Nam:On the morning of July 5, upon receiving information that two victims suspected to be two Vietnamese citizens were murdered on the night of July 4 in Banrangay Tumahubong Sumisip village, Basilan, Philippines, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs summoned the Charge d'Affaires of the Philippine Embassy in Hanoi. At the same time, the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines contacted Philippine authorities to request coordination in preserving the bodies and verifying the identities of the victims.

On the afternoon of July 5, the bodies of the victims were transferred by the Philippine military to the Zamboanga Regional Hospital for preservation so that the authorities can carry out identification procedures. At 9:30 p.m. on July 6, we were saddened to confirm that the victims were two Vietnamese citizens, Hoang Trung Thong and Hoang Van Hai, crew members of the Royal 16 ship that was kidnapped by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group in November 2016.

As soon as he received verified information about the victims, as you know, Prime Minister Nguyen Xuan Phuc expressed his grief and indignation at the brutal and inhumane murder of two Vietnamese citizens by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group and offered his condolences to the victims' families. The Prime Minister said that those responsible for the deaths of the two Vietnamese citizens must be punished appropriately and called on the international community to join hands in the fight against terrorism.

Once again, the Ministry of Foreign Affairs strongly condemns the killing of two Vietnamese citizens by the Abu Sayyaf terrorist group. We would like to express our deepest condolences to the families and relatives of the victims and hope that they will soon overcome this great loss and pain.

PV:Could you please tell us what further measures the authorities will take to support the victims' families?

Deputy Minister Vu Hong Nam:First of all, we will support the families to arrange the funerals for the two victims as soon as possible. Although the Zamboanga region is under martial law and access is very difficult, thanks to the support of Philippine authorities, representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in the Philippines were present at the place where the victims' bodies are kept.

We are continuing to coordinate with Philippine authorities to assist the victims' families in completing forensic and legal procedures and preparing the necessary conditions to bring the victims' bodies or remains back to the country for burial according to the families' wishes.

At the same time, we will continue to request the Philippine authorities to ensure the safety of Vietnamese citizens. Up to now, the Philippines has made every effort to support our requests..On June 22, 2017, citizen Hoang Vo, one of the sailors of the Royal 16 ship who was also kidnapped in November 2016, was freed and returned to Vietnam and is currently receiving treatment to recover his health.

We also recommend that ship owners and ship management companies with ships passing through sea areas with potential pirate risks strictly apply piracy prevention and avoidance measures as recommended by Vietnamese and international authorities, especially the latest recommendations of the Vietnam Maritime Administration.

PV:Thank you, Deputy Minister./.

According to VOV