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Friday, March 29, 2024

Two lady cops, Muslim pals abducted by Abu bandits

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Two policewoman and their two civilian companions were forcibly abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group bandits in Patikul, Sulu Sunday afternoon.

Philippine National Police Chief Director Oscar Albayalde identified the policewomen as PO2 Benierose Alvarez and PO1 Dinah Gumahad, both assigned at the PNP Crime Laboratory office based in Calarian town in Zamboanga City at 12:40 p.m.

The kidnappers also took their two Muslim companions identified as a certain Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, both residents of Brgy. Gandasuli, Patikul town.

Initial reports said an estimated 11 kidnappers, including a member of the ASG, perpetrated the kidnapping.

Shortly after learning of the incident, Albayalde ordered a massive manhunt operations and rescue efforts for the two policewoman whose whereabouts remain unknown.

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For his part, Brig. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Commander of Joint Task Force Sulu, said three battalions of troopers are presently scouring the outskirts of Patikul town searching for the two women cops.

Sobejana believed that the kidnappers and their victims are still in Patikul and said that recovery efforts are underway.

Initial reports said the two and their Muslim companions have just arrived from the famous Quezon beach also known as Buhanginan in Sulu.

The victims were on board a tricycle with body number 1899 with markings “Igasan Family” and driven by Jakosalem. With PNA

The group were travelling back to Jolo town from Quezon beach when they were flagged down by an estimated 11 armed men led by Mujir Yada in Brgy Liang and forcibly seized them and hurriedly fled towards the southern area.

Sobejana said they are verifying the relationship of the two policewoman with their two male companions who were also taken hostage by the bandits.

Sobejana said they are still assessing the possible motive of the kidnapping but he believed it as a propaganda tool to show their existence.

The terrorist ASG are still holding at least 14 hostages that include a European and Vietnamese nationals believed being kept in the hinterlands and coastal areas of Sulu, Basilan and Tawi-Tawi.

In recent months, local armed groups have started going after soft targets instead of high profile individuals. These soft targets are mostly skilled workers whose families are willing to pay ransom for their safe release. With PNA

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