THE Japanese national who was abducted on Friday in the province of Sulu carries two identities, a top military official said Sunday.
Western Mindanao Command (Wesmincom) Chief Benjamin Mohammad Dolorfino said this was discovered when the police recovered Tuesday the passport of the victim in his residence in Sitio Bas, Bangkila village, Pangutaran town, Sulu.
Dolorfino said the victim's identity, based on the recovered passport, is Toshio Ito, who was born on June 18, 1947 in Hiroshima, Japan.
The victim was earlier identified as Amer Katayama Mamaito, 63 years old.
The victim was abducted by 10 unidentified gunmen last July 16 in Sitio Bas, Bangkila village, Pangutaran.
Dolorfino said they have already established the whereabouts of the hostage and efforts for his safe recovery are underway.
The abductors remain unidentified and there was no demand yet made in exchange for the release of the captive, Dolorfino said. (Bong Garcia)