4 abducted by suspected NPA rebels in mining firm raid

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MANILA, Philippines—Four persons were allegedly abducted and several weapons were carted away after suspected New People’s Army rebels who pretended to be members of the military raided a mining firm in Agusan del Sur before dawn Thursday, a Philippine National Police spokesman said.

Superintendent Martin Gamba, Caraga police spokesman said a still unidentified number of suspected rebels disguised themselves as members of the Armed Forces of the Philippines and conducted an “inspection” at Vivencio P. Ocite Mining Enterprise situated at Ridge Mt. Barangay Bayugan 3, Agusan del Sur around 5:30 a.m.

But at the course of the “inspection,” the security guards on post were disarmed, and victims Christoper Ocite, operation manager and son of owner; Gani Altaya, assistant operation manager; Joel Jayuma, security guard; and a still unidentified engineer, were allegedly abducted.

The group,Gamba said, also carted away five shotguns and nine 45-caliber pistols as they escape using a gray Hilux pick up (ZMW 908), owned by Ocite, as their getaway vehicle.

He said the group went towards the east direction, adding that a pursuit operation was underway. With a report from Frances Mangosing