Kidnapped businessman rescued from Abu Sayyaf gunmen in Basilan

ZAMBOANGA City, Philippines - The military on Sunday night rescued a businessman hours after he was kidnapped by suspected members of the Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) in Isabela City, Basilan.

1st Lt. Archiemedez Aranas of the Philippine Army's 4th Special Forces Battalion, said businessman Ramon Sanson Jr. was taken at gunpoint by seven gunmen from his residents in BArangay Sta. Barbara at around 6:30 p.m.

Aranas said troops were immediataly dispatched after they were alerted by civilians about the incident.

He said Special Forces troopers, backed by government militias, set an interdiction along the withdrawal route and engaged the suspects in a brief firefight.

The gunmen were forced to leave behind Sanson and escaped.

Pursuit operations were ongoing against the bandits.