Technician, security escort snatched in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits seized a technician and his security escort while their driver managed to escape in a remote village in Patikul, Sulu on Tuesday afternoon, authorities said.

Col. Jose Joriel Cenabre, Task Force Sulu and 2nd Marine Brigade commander, said Dennis Aloba, a technician of Q-Tel based here, and Nasri Abubakar, 40, a security guard, were on their way to Jolo, the capital town, aboard a motorcycle when they were waylaid by at least 10 armed men before 4 p.m. Tuesday in Sitio Santol, Barangay Latih, Patikul town.

Cenabre said the armed men grabbed Aloba and Abubakar, while the motorcycle driver, Aquino Hadjula, managed to escape as he sped off while being fired at.

Cenabre said government troops have launched a pursuit operation against the kidnappers, adding that there has been no contact yet from them.