Rescue operation launched for 2 Sibugay teachers

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – The police and military have launched an operation to rescue two public school teachers seized by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Talusan, Zamboanga Sibugay last week.

Senior Superintendent Jose Bayani Gucela, provincial police director, believes that Reynadit Bagonoc-Silvano, 34, and his brother Russel Bagonoc, 22, are still in the province. 

The victims, both of Barangay Tuburan Elementary School, were snatched by six alleged members of the Abu Sayyaf’s urban terror group, as they were heading for school.

Three of the suspects have been identified to be members of the bandit group based in Basilan and Sulu.

Gucela said there was no indicator yet showing that the kidnappers have brought the hostages to other areas. 

He confirmed that the kidnappers have contacted the victims’ family to demand P10 million in ransom.

Meanwhile, the police and military have stepped up security for teachers assigned in the island villages and coastal areas in this city.