ZAMBOANGA CITY - At least 11 civilians, including seven minors, were seized by warring clans in a far-flung village in Basilan province, military officials said Friday.
Tracking military troops, however, managed to secure the safe release of three of the victims following a negotiation.
The military said some 50 armed followers led by Hassan Addang, a commander of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF), swooped down on Sitio Kakabigan, Barangay Bohe Baca, Tipo-Tipo town at about 4:20 p.m. Thursday and seized the villagers.
The victims were identified as Haipa Ambihal, 5 and her 2-year-old brother Pasri; Fatima Buddiman, 5 months old; Binbin Banua, 9; Alsaima Buddiman, 15; Haide Banua, 9; Satra Banua, 13 years old, all minors; and Faija Banua, 44; Dalma Ambihal, 50; Hapsa Ambihal, 28; and Kalipa Ambihal, 22 years old.
Col. Carlito Galvez, commander of the 104th Army Brigade, said the 18th Infantry Battalion under Col. Paolo Perez secured the release of three victims identified as Fatima and Alsaima Buddiman, and Dalma Amhibal.
Galvaez said that the attack was a retaliation to the kidnapping last Tuesday of the three daughters of Addang identified as Dalma Duwalay, 21; Kelma Duwalay, 15; and Pubu Duwalay, 13, at the vicinity of Triangle in Lamitan City.
The daughters of Addang, all residents of Sitio Bakisung, Barangay Cambug, Al-Barka town, were brought to Barangay Bohe Tambac, Tipo-Tipo town.
“The abduction incident was mainly due to family feuds and their organization has nothing to do with the crisis. There has been an ongoing negotiation to convince the group of Commander Addang,†said Galvez.
Galvez said the unit of Lt. Col. Perez and Ustadz Kaiser were initially able to convince adding into releasing three of the hostages “as a goodwill to jump start negotiations for the release of all remaining hostages.â€