6 Zambo villagers seized, then freed

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Armed men seized six people, including a five-year-old girl, in a village in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay last Tuesday morning but released them following negotiations, police said.

Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation for Western Mindanao, said the kidnappers led by Munib Aukusa swooped down on the village of Tigbanuang and seized Merlinda, 5; Mae Jane, 15, Bader, 26; and Anabelle, 31, all surnamed Luchavez; Kennymarie Dalagan, 24; and Enriqueta Perjes, 45. 

Khu said Aukusa, one of the 10 most wanted persons in the region, held the victims hostage in exchange for his wife’s release from police custody.

Aukusa’s wife was held after a homemade shotgun was seized from her when lawmen served an arrest warrant for Aukusa for murder and highway robbery.

Khu said Aukusa’s group initially freed one of the captives to demand his wife’s release.