UPDATED: Abu Sayyaf abducts school principal in Sumisip

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines   - Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen abducted a public school principal Monday morning in a remote village of Basilan province, according to officials.

Basilan school district superintendent Dr. Norhaya Abdurahim identified the victim as Benita Enriquez Latonio, 60, a native of Barangay Talisayan this city, but assigned as school principal of Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town, Basilan.

Police investigation disclosed the victim and several teachers aboard a passenger jeepney,bearing plate number JVK-359 bound for Isabela City, were blocked by five  suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen, wearing bonnets, under Juhaibil Alamsirul alias Abu Kik about 6:20 a.m. at sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug, Sumisip.

Villagers told police the suspects took Lotonio at gunpoint and left the rest of teachers unharmed and fled on foot toward an unknown direction.

The companions of Lotonio were escorted by authorities on their way back to the town proper of Sumusip.

Basilan Police Provincial director Senior Superintendent Mario Dapilloza declined to answer phone calls and inquiries about the latest kidnapping incident in Basilan.

It was not known if the victims failed to coordinate for security during their travel passing outskirt of Sumisip which is known to be infested by the Abu Sayyaf group.

Alerted military and police forces immediately launched pursuit operation to  rescue the  school principal.