ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - - The Department of Education (DepEd) has been directed to ensure the safety and early release of the abducted Basilan school principal seized Monday by the suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen, according to official.
Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (ARMM) Gov. Mujiv Hataman said he directed ARMM DepEd Secretary Atty. Jamal Kulayan to coordinate all measures with the authorities in seeking the release of Benitta Enriquez Latonio, principal of Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town.
“The DepEd ARMM is now working closely with the authorities of Basilan to ensure the safety of the victim,†Hataman said.
Latonio, 60, was with some teachers aboard a passenger jeepney bound for Isabela City, when they were flagged down by five mask-wearing Abu Sayyaf militants at sitio Mompol, Barangay Libug about 6:20 a.m. Monday.
He said the mayor of Sumisip was also coordinating their efforts with other authorities to ensure the release of Latonio.