Cops, troops hunt ASG in kidnapping of 2 kids, 2 others in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  - The police and marines launched pursuit operations against the Abu Sayyaf gunmen who were behind the abduction of the son of Jolo Health Officer and three other companions after the victims were safely freed Wednesday afternoon in Patikul, Sulu province, according to an official.

Capt. Ryan Lacuesta, spokesman of the 2nd Marine Brigade said the police and marines have intensified the law enforcement operation to track down the kidnappers of the year-old boy , and  his eight-year-old cousin,  housemaid Almalyn Abuhail, 18, and driver Saddam Amlih.

The victims were released about 4 p.m. at Daan Puti circumferential road, Barangay Latih, Patikul town following negotiation and pressure by the local government and relatives of the victims.

Lacuesta, citing investigation, disclosed that no ransom was paid for the release of the victims who were immediately reunited with their family Wednesday night.

The victims were abducted on March 3 along Gen. Arolas Street in Barangay Alat, Jolo town while on their way to school.

According to Lacuesta, the tracking forces have also coordinated with the local officials and the Barangay Action Team (BPAT), a group of civilian volunteers in the respective villages of Sulu, to track the kidnappers.

The spate of kidnappings in Sulu has caused anxiety among residents here, while some government workers are hesitant to perform their duty owing to security concers.

However, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman directed the government workers to defer any cancellation of work as this will worsen the situation even as he assured them that measures have been adopted to ensure the security of the people in the province.

Hataman said he has requested ARMM regional police director Chief Superintendent Noel delos Reyes to visit residents in Sulu and personally brief them of security measures placed in the area.

Eight victims, including two Europeans, are still believed held captive by kidnappers in Tawi-Tawi and Sulu. -  Roel Pareño