Gunmen seize microfinance staff

UNIDENTIFIED gunmen suspected to be Abu Sayyaf bandits have seized a staff of a microfinance in the province of Sulu, the police reported Saturday.

The incident took place around 8:10 a.m. Friday at Sitio Palar, Liang village, Patikul town in Sulu, the Provincial Police Office reported.

The police identified the victim as Rania Mohammad Suaso, 25, a resident of Bangkal village and a staff of the Center for Agricultural and Rural Development.

Initial investigation showed the victim was on her way for work when seized by three gunmen. The victim was forced to board on a vehicle, the police said.

The police, in coordination with the military, are tracking down the whereabouts of the victim.

Meanwhile, Manuel Barcena, Directorate for Integrated Police Operations-West chief, said the incident is a case of “abduction for marriage”, not kidnap-for-ransom.

Barcena said the elders of the Suaso family already talked with the alleged abductor, who said he will be paying dowry.

A dowry is money paid by the groom or his family to the bride’s parents.

No identities of the suspects, including the victim’s suitor, were available, Barcena said.