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Wednesday, January 30, 2008
Rescue operations launched for Jolo trader
By Bong Garcia
ZAMBOANGA CITY -- Combined police and military troops launched pursuit operations to rescue a businesswoman who was seized Monday by gunmen believed to be al Qaeda-linked Abu Sayyaf bandits in Jolo, the capital town of Sulu, south of Zamboanga City.
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Chief Superintendent Joel Goltiao, Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao (Armm) police director, identified the victim as Maria Rosalie Lao, 58, a resident of Kakuyagan village, Jolo.
Five gunmen seized Lao around 4:45 p.m. Monday near her residence.
Goltiao said he is inclined to believe the gunmen are Abu Sayyaf bandits.
The gunmen forced the victim to board into a waiting Toyota Tamaraw vehicle and hurriedly fled.
"There is that big possibility the suspects are Abu Sayyaf bandits," Goltiao said, although he disclosed they have yet to ascertain the identities of the gunmen.
Policemen from the Sulu Police Provincial Office (SPPO) are pursuing the bandits in Bud Pula, Patikul town, a known bailiwick of the Abu Sayyaf group.
Major General Ruben Rafael, chief of Task Force Comet, said troops from the 3rd Marine Brigade were deployed to pursue and rescue the victim.
The abductors have not established any contact or made a ransom demand as of Tuesday, according to Goltiao.
Lao's abduction came a few days after the Provincial Government launched its own Identification Card (ID) system in Sulu with Patikul as the pilot area.
The ID system that was launched last January 19 is aimed at deterring terrorism, curbing crimes, and serving as a database for local census.
Sulu Governor Sakur Tan doubts if the suspects in the abduction of Lao are from Patikul, citing they might have just fled towards the town en route to their hideout.
Tan said with the ID system in place, they (suspects) could be easily identified if they are really residents of Patikul town. (Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Bacolod. (January 30, 2008 issue)
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