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Sunday, August 24, 2008
Abducted physician rescued in Cotabato
DAVAO CITY -- Authorities have rescued a female doctor who was forcibly taken by unidentified armed men believed to be kidnap-for-ransom group after a brief firefight early dawn Saturday.
Dr. Milagros Yap was abducted at the Cotabato Regional Medical Center (CRMC) around 9 p.m. of Friday.
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Initial investigation showed that Yap was about to disembark from her green Pajero vehicle (Plate number LME 956) when three unidentified armed men forcibly barged inside her car at CRMC parking area.
CRMC noticed the commotion and immediately responded.
However, the kidnappers managed to slip out of the hospital premises with Yap and her car by slamming the gate.
Upon receiving information about the abduction, authorities conducted hot pursuit operation against the abductors and their victim. They were able to intercept them at Poblacion 3 in Cotabato City.
A report received by Major General Armando "Mandy" L. Cunanan, area command chief of the Armed Forces' Eastern Mindanao Command, stated that Yap was rescued unhurt during a brief firefight by pursuing agents of the Philippine National Police (PNP) and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) "Task Force Usig."
"Our troops successfully rescued the physician unhurt," said Rico.
One of the physician's kidnappers was reportedly killed during Saturday's firefight.
Pursuit operation meanwhile is still going on to the other fleeing hostage-takers.
Authorities are still investigating the incident and are looking into two angles: a kidnap-for-ransom gang and involvement of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) as part of their "fund raising" activity. (BOT of Sun.Star Davao/With PNA/Sunnex)For more Philippine news, visit Sun.Star Zamboanga. (August 24, 2008 issue)
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