Military: Kidnap groups in Zamboanga using 'spotters'

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - The military confirmed that Zamboanga City remains a target for kidnappings with the presence of ‘spotters' for kidnap-for-ransom groups based from Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Sulu province.

Col. Andrelino Colina, commander of the anti-terror Task Force Zamboanga (TFZ), said they have already laid the security measures to run after and counter the kidnapping plot of different groups.

“Aside from those who were based in this city, there are also other kidnap-for-ransom groups from Zamboanga Sibugay, Basilan and Sulu who have their spotters operating here,” Colina disclosed after measures implemented to track down the spotters. 

The official said the police and military forces have adopted security for teachers assigned with the critical areas, liked island and far flung villages.

Colina said military troopers were deployed to secure schools in the islands off this city while police will escort the teachers on their way to the island aboard motorboats. 

Colina said they want to ensure kidnapping on teachers going to the island will not be repeated following the release of public school teacher Cathy Mae Casipong last Tuesday after she was abducted last Dec. 18 while on her way to the island school supposedly to throw a Christmas party for the students. 

The military commander said intelligence units have been mobilized also to track down the spotters.

Colina said they have yet to trace the whereabouts of cosmetics dealer Sabrina Ikbala Voon, 28, who was forcibly taken from their residence last Feb. 19 in Barangay Mercedes east of this city. 

The police and military have still no idea on the exact whereabouts of the victim but her captors have reportedly communicated with the family and demanded P5-million ransom. 

The police have already identified one of the suspects who is linked with the Abu Sayyaf group and case of kidnapping with serious illegal detention and ransom was already filed before a local court here.