Gunmen seize, free 6 hostages

ZAMBOANGA CITY—Armed men stormed a village in Tungawan, Zamboanga Sibugay, on Tuesday and took captive six persons, including a five-year-old girl, for about 12 hours, authorities said Wednesday.

Chief Supt. Felicisimo Khu, head of the Directorate for Integrated Police Operations in Western Mindanao, said the three suspects, led by a Munib Aukasa, arrived in Tigbanuang past 10 a.m.

Khu described Aukasa as the 10th most wanted person in Zamboanga Sibugay. The suspect is wanted for murder and robbery cases, he said.

Khu said Aukasa’s group took the victims hostage to deter authorities from launching a rescue operation.

Khu said about an hour after the hostage crisis started, Aukasa decided to free one of the victims to relay his demand to authorities.

The freed hostage, Khu said, was told to report to the Tungawan police station and relay Aukasa’s demand for his wife, who was arrested on charges of illegal gun possession, to be released from jail.

According to Khu, Tungawan Mayor Randy Climaco quickly convened the local crisis management council and sent two town councilors—Lorvele Caracol and Hamin Jimlani—to negotiate with Aukasa.

Khu said the hostages were all freed before midnight and released to the councilors.

He said he wasn’t sure what the negotiators offered to Aukasa in exchange for the hostages’ release.

The attack came after police raised its alert level ahead of the Muslim fasting month of Ramadan.

Khu earlier said authorities are keeping a close watch on terror groups and crime syndicates who might take advantage of Ramadan.

Police in Cotabato City, however, said authorities have been a step ahead of lawless elements resulting in fewer crimes in the city.

Khu said authorities are also on high alert for kidnappings.  Julie Alipala, Inquirer Mindanao