Rescue operation on for kidnapped Sulu principal

DAVAO CITY , Philippines  – Rescue efforts are ongoing for an elementary school principal who was kidnapped by suspected Al Qaeda-linked Islamic militants in Patikul, Sulu late Monday afternoon.

The victim, Gabriel Canizares, 36, acting principal of the Kanague Elementary School in Patikul town, was reportedly on board a mini-bus with some of his colleagues when at least 12 armed men flagged down the vehicle in Sitio Tanum, Barangay Kilometer 6 and grabbed him.

Maj. Ramon David Hontiveros, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said they are determining why Canizares was the only one seized.

“Our operatives are hot on the trail of the kidnappers,” he added.

Hontiveros said there was still no report if the kidnappers have already initiated contact to relay their demand in exchange for Canizares’ release.

According to the Autonomous Region for Muslim Mindanao police, Canizares’ abduction was the latest in a spate of atrocities that the Abu Sayyaf has lately carried out in Sulu, including the bombings of bridges and roads as well as a telecommunication tower in Parang town.

A teachers’ group denounced the abduction of Canizares and Italian priest Michael Sinnott, too, and called on Asia-Pacific leaders to do the same.

Abelardo Bruta Jr., deputy secretary general of the Teacher Organization of the Philippines for Public Sector (TOPPS), also called on the Philippine government to adopt a comprehensive security measure for the safety of teachers.

Bruta said they were saddened that Canizares was seized almost a month after three other kidnapped public school teachers from Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay were freed.

“The rebels should not use this atrocity to put barriers between Muslims and Christians,” Bruta said.

The Alliance of Concerned Teachers also expressed alarm over the abduction, saying it showed the government’s failure to protect teachers from criminal elements. – With Roel Pareño, James Mananghaya and Rainier Allan Ronda