3 Korean miners kidnapped in Lanao Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY ,Philippines  – Police authorities yesterday confirmed that the three South Korean miners, who were reported missing a week ago, have been kidnapped in Lanao del Sur.

The victims identified as Woo Shu Bong, Kim Nam Dou, and a certain Choi, who visited a mining site in Lanao, failed to return to their hotel in Cagayan de Oro City last Oct. 30.

Police Director Felicisimo Khu, chief of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operation (DIPO) in Western Mindanao, said that based on the investigation of Task Force Ranaw, the three victims were seized by a still unidentified armed group while inspecting a mining site with a Filipino guide.

“The kidnappers have made contacts using the (kidnap victims’) cellphones,” Khu said.

Khu did not say who the kidnappers were, what they were demanding or whom they have contacted. But he said police believed that the three were being held in Lanao del Sur.

 Interior and Local Government Secretary Jesse Robredo confirmed the kidnapping but declined to give details to ensure the safety of the hostages.

“Efforts have been addressed by the police for the safe recovery of the hostages,” Robredo told newsmen in his recent visit here.

Von Al Haq, speaking for the Moro Islamic Liberation Front, meanwhile, has offered to help authorities locate the three South Koreans.

He said their commanders have been ordered by their central committee to investigate the reported kidnapping of the three foreigners.  – With John Unson