The Philippine Navy in Sulu is on alert following the abduction of three foreigners and a Filipina at a resort on Samal island in Davao del Norte on Monday night.
READ: Filipina, 3 foreigners abducted on Samal island | Authorities believe NPA behind abduction of Filipina, foreigners
Navy ships — PS 32 (BRP Iloilo, PG 381 [Disocoro Papa]) and PPG 390 (Jose Loor) were placed on patrol and set up a barrier following the kidnapping incident, a military report said.
An operation is an underway to locate two Canadians, a Norwegian, and a Filipina, who were forcibly taken by unidentified armed men before midnight at Holiday Oceanview Resort in Cabudmod village in Babak.
The three foreign captives were identified as John Ridsel and Robert Hall, Canadians; and Kjartan Sekkingstad, a Norwegian.
The armed men left with the victims using a motorboat.
A military source, who spoke under the condition of anonymity, said there is a “big possibility” that the captives were brought to Sulu.
The source said kidnapped victims are usually sold to the Abu Sayyaf, but clarified that they have yet to confirm who abducted the captives.
At present, the Abu Sayyaf, tagged in most kidnappings and terrorism attacks in Mindanao, holds nine captives — four foreigners and five locals. JE