ZAMBOANGA CITY – Troops have been deployed to track down and rescue four people, including two policewomen, seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in the province of Sulu, a top military official said Monday.
Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Joint Task Force Sulu commander, identified the victims as PO3 Benierose Alvarez, PO1 Dinah Gumahad, Jakosalem Blas, and Faizal Ahidji.
Alvarez and Gumahad are both assigned with the Police Regional Office-9 (PRO-9).
Sobejana said the victims were aboard a tricycle driven by Blas when they were seized around 12:40 p.m. Sunday in Barangay Liang, Patikul, Sulu.
Sobejana said the victims came from the headquarters of the 45th Infantry Battalion in Barangay Buhanginan when flagged down by 11 Abu Sayyaf bandits led by Mujir Yada.
The military identified Yada as one of the sub-leaders of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) based in the province of Sulu.
Sobejana said Yada’s group forcibly brought the victims towards south of the place where they were flagged down.
“Rescue efforts are on progress,” he added.
He advised the public to take precautions, especially in isolated areas, “to preclude untoward incident to happen.”
He also urged the public to report to them through fastest means any sighting of lawless elements so that appropriate action can be taken. (PNA)
