ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Two women were kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Patikul town in Sulu on Sunday, authorities reported yesterday.
Merilyn Suhali and Fatima Hussein, both of Jolo, were seized hours after the kidnappers released two workers of the provincial office of the Department of Public Works and Highways, who were snatched on Saturday.
Suhali and Hussein were in a jeepney heading for Jolo when two gunmen flagged them down at Sitio Santol in Barangay Latih at about 3 p.m.
The area has been the site of a series of kidnappings, including the snatching of sisters Nadjoua and Lina Bansil, who were released only last Thursday after eight months in captivity.
Authorities launched a pursuit operation against the kidnappers of Suhali and Hussein, who were believed to have escaped toward the mountains.