The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group, the Davao Regional Police and the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) have joined forces in conducting pursuit operations against the armed abductors of three foreigners and a Filipino woman on the resort island of Samal in Davao del Norte.
AKG director Senior Supt. Roberto Fajardo said the operating troops, including the AKG Mindanao field unit and members of the regional police, had been actively pursuing leads and efforts for the safe recovery of the kidnapped persons.
Norwegian Kjartan Sekkingstad, Canadians John Ridsel and Robert Hall, and his Filipino girlfriend, a certain “Tess,” were forcibly taken by around 11 armed men while they were on a yacht docked at Holiday Oceanview Resort in the village of Camudmod, Babak district, at 11:20 p.m. on Monday.
READ: Filipina, 3 foreigners abducted on Samal island
Reports reaching the AKG said the suspects, after taking the victims at gunpoint, got on a motorized banca and sped off toward an undetermined direction.
While the security forces were tracking down the still unidentified armed men, Fajardo said they were investigating if the abductors belonged to a terror group.
READ: Authorities believe Abu Sayyaf behind abduction of Filipina, foreigners
The AKG said government agencies were coordinating with concerned embassies and the families of the victims.
In 2001, members of Abu Sayyaf, a group based in Western Mindanao known for kidnapping activities, tried to enter a resort in Samal Island. Julliane Love de Jesus/RC