Rescue ops underway for 7 abducted by terrorists in Surigao del Sur

MANILA, Philippines — Authorities will conduct rescue operations for seven people, including two minors, who were abducted by a terrorist group in Surigao del Sur, Police Regional Office 13 (PRO 13) said on Saturday.

Brig. Gen Gilberto Cruz, PRO-13 Regional Director identified the victims as Ryard Juagpao Badiang, 24; Wendil Ambungan Delicuna, 25; Angelo Duazo, 34; Roel Fernandez Bulando, 23; Rodelo Molino Montenegro, 47; and an eight-year-old and a 12-year-old.

Cruz said the victims, who are of Lanuza town, were kidnapped around 10 a.m. on Thursday in Sitio Pog by members of terrorist group led by Joel Mahinay alias “Nico” of Sandatahang Platoon Pampropaganda 1 (SPP1), weakened guerrilla Front 30 (WGF) of North Eastern Mindanao Regional Committee. 



A witness reported that Badiang, Delicuna, and Duazo were brought to Sitio Banahao, Maitom, Tandag City, while the four remaining victims were released at 3 p.m.

Cruz said they are currently investigating the incident and will rescue civilians who were “abducted or used as human shields by communist terrorists”

“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 in a statement. (Editor:  Julie Espinosa)