THREE persons were reportedly abducted by alleged communist rebels in Sitio Pog, Brgy Maitum, Tandag City, Surigao del Sur on Thursday, May 30, 2019.

Police Brigadier General Gilberto Cruz, Police Regional Office-13 regional director, said rescue operations were ongoing for Ryard Badiang, 24, Wendil Delicuna, 25, and a former rebel, Angelo Duazo, 25.

All are residents of Sitio Ibuan, Mampi, Lanuza town, Surigao del Sur.

Cruz said the victims were abducted around 10 a.m. last Thursday, May 30, 2019, by rebels under Joel Mahinay, known as "Nico" of Sandatahang Platoon Pampropaganda 1 (SPP1), Guerrilla Front 30 (WGF) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee.

According to a witness, Badiang, Delicuna and Duazo, were tied up and brought towards the mountainous part of Sitio Banahao, Maitom, Tandag City.

Meanwhile, four other captives were released on the same day.

The military said the civilians were drifting cut logs (balsa) in the vicinity of Sitio Pog part of Tandag River when suddenly flagged down by their abductors.

Cruz said it is possible that the civilians might be used as human shields.

“As of this time, all police units in the area are continuously conducting investigation and coordination to rescue the innocent civilians who are still being held and used as human shields and propaganda subject by the Communist Terrorists,” Cruz said.

“We are asking the peace-loving Caraganons to be with us in this fight against insurgency. We will not allow this terrorist group to continue carrying out atrocities against our people," he added.

He urged the public to immediately report to the nearest police station or any information on the missing persons.