5 loggers kidnapped; 1 killed in rescue bid

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Police confirmed yesterday that five loggers reported missing on Saturday were kidnapped in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte. One of the victims was killed in the crossfire during rescue operations. 

Mario Rosales, 46; Roger Jung-an, 36; Jomar Maglangit, 26; Reymond Purisima, 14, and Jomar Mantangan, 25, residents of Barangay San Nicolas, failed to return home when they went to Sitio Maasum to cut timber.

Chief Superintendent Billy Beltran, Zamboanga peninsula police director, said the kidnappers led by Jamilon Wahab and Bating Lumiguis called up the employer of the victims an initially demanded P10 million, but reduced it to P15,000 for each of the captives.

Following a crisis management committee meeting called by Sirawai Mayor Gamar Janihim, personnel of the Provincial Mobile Force Company and 42nd Infantry Battalion launched an operation and encountered the kidnappers in Sitio Kabatunayan, Barangay Panabutan on Wednesday. 

Beltran said the bodies of Rosales and one of the kidnappers were recovered at the scene. A Garand rifle and a caliber .45 pistol were seized from the kidnappers.

Personnel of the 13th Special Forces Company in nearby Siocon town imposed a blockade at the border of Barangay D. Riconalla to prevent the suspects with their remaining captives from escaping.