ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Abu Sayyaf men kidnapped a public school teacher yesterday afternoon in Patikul, Sulu, a military official said.
Alrashid Jahang, a teacher at Taglibi Elementary School, Barangay Taglibi, was riding on a motorcycle on his way to Jolo when he was flagged down by 11 Abu Sayyaf gunmen led by Aljini Mundoc alias Ninok Sapari at Sitio Baunoh, Barangay Liang at about 4 p.m.
Jahang was the fifth victim taken by the Abu Sayyaf group barely a week after the kidnapping last Monday of two children and their two helpers in Jolo.
Witnesses said the kidnappers fled to the mountain.
Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, 2nd Marine Brigade spokesman, said Brig. Martin Pinto, the brigade’s newly designated commander, directed his troops to launch pursuit operations with police forces to rescue Jabang.