Suspected Abus seize 5-year-old boy in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines   – Suspected Abu Sayyaf and “lost command” rebels seized a five-year-old boy in Lamitan, Basilan Monday night in what authorities suspect was a diversionary tactic to slow down any military offensive against them.

The abduction of the kindergarten pupil came as Marines and police forces have massed up for a possible offensive following the recent release of some kidnap victims.

Defense Secretary Gilbert Teodoro visited Basilan last Saturday and issued a strong directive to the Marines to run after the kidnappers and the Abu Sayyaf, and for local officials in Basilan to stay united in the fight against terrorism.

An additional battalion of Marines and a company of the Special Action Forces of the Philippine National Police have been deployed for the offensive.

Maj. Gen. Ben Dolorfino, chief of the Armed Forces’ Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), earlier had said that it was “high time to operate all-out against the terrorists” following the release of their hostages.

Lamitan City Mayor Roderick Furigay said police investigation showed that the boy was on his way home, along with his 10-year-old brother, when two armed men on a motorcycle seized him at around 7 p.m. Monday.

Furigay said witnesses told the authorities that the kidnappers fled with the boy toward Tuburan town, where kidnappers with links to the Abu Sayyaf and “lost command” guerrillas are operating.

Lt. Steffani Cacho, Westmincom spokesman, confirmed the boy’s abduction, saying that elements of the Marine Battalion Landing Team 7 are now pursuing the kidnappers.

He said barangay officials in Tuburan have also been alerted to track down the kidnappers for the boy’s “possible early recovery.”