Suspected BIFF members abduct trader

COTABATO CITY, Philippines - Suspected members of the Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters (BIFF) kidnapped a grains trader in Maguindanao’s Ampatuan town Tuesday afternoon, police said.

Senior Supt. Rudelio Jocson, director of the Maguindanao police, said 26-year-old Kenneth Cabrera was snatched by gunmen near his rice and corn trading outlet in Barangay Kauran, a roadside business hub in Ampatuan town.

Cabrera was reportedly shot by his abductors when he tried to fight them off.

The gunmen, disguised as farmers inquiring buying prices for corn grains, forced the wounded Cabrera into a waiting getaway vehicle parked near his establishment.

Investigators said the kidnappers’ Toyota Corona car carrying Cabrera, bearing license plates PCH 748 was seen speeding toward the site of the infamous Nov. 23, 2009 “Maguindanao Massacre,” in Barangay Salman, about a kilometer north of Barangay Kauran.

Col. Dickson Hermoso, spokesman of the Army’s 6th Infantry Division, said soldiers are now helping policemen run after the kidnappers.