ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Abu Sayyaf gunmen abducted Friday morning a heavy equipment driver of a private construction firm in Patikul, Sulu, police said.
The victim was identified as Awan Usman, 30, a driver of a cement mixer mechanical truck under the management of a certain Engr. Tabanllang.
Senior Superintendent Antonio Freyra, Sulu provincial police director, said the victim was driving the heavy equipment when he was flagged down by eight Abu Sayyaf gunmen wearing masks at the vicinity of sitio Baunoh Butong, Kilometer 5 of Barangay Latih, Patikul about 8:30 a.m. Friday.
The militants, believed to be followers of Abu Sayyaf sub-leaders Basaron and Ninok Safari, seized Usman at gunpoint and escaped toward the hinterland.
Freyra said police forces in Patikul town are investigating the motive of the abduction of Usman. However, they suspected that the bandit group is seeking to extort money from the construction company.
The police said they have not received any information yet if the abductors have already communicated with the victim’s family or to the construction firm he is connected.