2 Chinese mineral ore traders kidnapped

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ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines—Unidentified armed men on Monday abducted two more foreigners in Zamboanga Sibugay even as the authorities there were still trying to solve the December kidnapping of Australian Warren Rodwell.

Chief Supt. Napoleon Estilles, Western Mindanao police chief, identified the latest victims as Jampong Lin-Yuankai, 38, and Jian Luo, 48, both natives of Guandong, China.

The two foreigners were engaged in the trading of mineral ore in the town of Kabasalan.

Citing reports from the Zamboanga Sibugay police office, Estilles said the victims were abducted by “six armed men, who disguised themselves as operatives of the National Bureau of Investigation.”

Kabasalan Mayor George Cainglet told the Inquirer that the armed men barged into the victims’ rented apartment, which is only a few meters from the town hall, around 8 p.m. Monday.

The kidnappers, he said, introduced themselves as NBI operatives.

Estilles said a rescue and manhunt operation was launched as soon as word of the abduction reached the police.

He said the getaway vehicle of the abductors—a white van with license plates WTE 606—was recovered after it was abandoned and set on fire in Barangay Salipyasin around 9 p.m. Monday.

There has been no communication as yet from the abductors and their identities have not been established.

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front said they have received reports that Rodwell had died in captivity.

Rodwell, a former Australian army sergeant, was abducted in Ipil, Zamboanga Sibugay on Dec. 5.

Von Al Haq, the MILF spokesperson, said the report on Rodwell’s death was provided by MILF forces in the province.

“Hostage Warren Richard Rodwell has reportedly passed away in the hands of his captors,” he said.

Estilles said the report on Rodwell’s death was still being verified. With a report from Jeoffrey Maitem, Inquirer Mindanao, Matikas Santos, INQUIRER.net

Originally posted at 10:20 am| Tuesday, June 5, 2012