2 Surigao activists missing

SURIGAO CITY – Two leaders of militant peasant and transport groups here have been missing since July 5 after armed men seized them in Barangay Anomar this city.

Police identified the two as Dagane Caronilla Butug, 24, an organizer of the Kilusang Magbubukid ng Pilipinas (KMP), and Narciso Antigulas, 24, who belongs to the Pinag-isang Samahan ng mga Tsuper at Opereytor Nationwide (PISTON).

Their relatives said they were riding a motorcycle on their way to Barangay Anomar when the armed men, who were on board a green double-cab pick-up, bumped and seized them as they reached a bridge.

Chief Superintendent Antonio Dator Nañas, Caraga regional police director, has ordered the Surigao City police and the Regional Mobile Group to intensify their search for the two missing activists.

Police have sought the help of the public for information on the whereabouts of Butug and Antigulas.

Local militant organizations are planning to hold huge rallies here and in Butuan City, the region’s capital, to condemn the abduction.