Rescue mission on for 2 Chinese hostages in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA CITY , Philippines  – Police and the Marines are preparing to launch a rescue operation for two Chinese nationals still being held by kidnappers after the Basilan Crisis Management Committee (CMC) gave its “go-signal.”

Basilan Vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul convened the CMC on Monday and approved the resolution allowing the police and military to conduct a rescue operation after the kidnappers refused to negotiate with the crisis committee.

Sakalahul said the kidnappers, believed to be Abu Sayyaf militants, have also stopped contacting the employer of Bo Shung Tan alias Michael Tan and Zi Shun Lu alias Oscar Lu, prompting the rescue operation.

The two Chinese nationals were abducted last Nov. 10 along with Filipino companion Mark Singson at the compound of the Hi-Tech Plywood Corp. in Maluso, Basilan.

Singson was beheaded a month later by his Abu Sayyaf captors after their employer, a certain Jorge Tan, failed to pay the initial P1.5-million ransom demand. Singson’s head was dumped near the public plaza in Isabela City, Basilan.

Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, Basilan police director, said ground police and Marine forces have been readied for the rescue mission.

“We will launch the rescue operation to get back the two Chinese hostages,” Mendoza said.

However, Mendoza stressed that the safety of the two captives will be of paramount consideration during the rescue mission.

Intelligence information revealed that the two Chinese are still alive, but their health conditions after more than two months in captivity are unclear.

“This is going to be a law enforcement operation and a PNP-led operation. Our police commanders have prepared the plans with the support of the Marines for the mission,” Mendoza added.

He said they have pinpointed the possible hideout of the kidnappers in Maluso town, where they brought the two Chinese nationals from Sumisip town.

He said joint police and Marine forces have been deployed in all possible escape routes of the kidnappers.