Abus kidnap Tawi-Tawi trader

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants kidnapped a businesswoman on Mapun Island in Tawi-Tawi late Friday afternoon.

Three men armed with caliber .45 pistols and an UZI sub-machine gun reportedly seized Sugar Diane Esperanza Buenviaje, 33, from her store in Barangay Lyubu at about 5:45 p.m., according to Senior Superintendent Joselito Salido, provincial police director.

Salido said the gunmen dragged Buenviaje to a junkung, a Malaysian-styled motor boat, and escaped toward unknown direction.

“We are conducting hot pursuit operations and we have coordinated with the Task Force Sulu, Tawi-Tawi, and Palawan to monitor the suspects and the victim,” Salido said.

He said the gunmen have not yet contacted the Buenviaje family for ransom payment in exchange for her release.