Lanao-based armed group abducts 6 saw mill workers

ZAMBOANGA CITY – Military authorities on Tuesday said a Lanao-based extremist group abducted six people from Butig, Lanao del Sur.

Major Filemon Tan Jr., spokesperson of the Western Mindanao Command, said the victims were taken from Sandab village.

“These individuals were believed to be workers of a saw mill in the said barangay. Information available to us revealed that they were abducted by armed group, believed to be members of the local terrorist group under the Maute brothers. We are also working closely with the police in the investigation of the incident,” Tan said.

The Maute group is reportedly an extremist group inspired by the Islamic State and operates in the Lanao provinces. Last month, government troops clashed with the group in Butig.

Col. Roseller Murillo, commander of the Army’s 103rd Infantry Brigade, said the Maute group snatched the six workers around 11 a.m. on Monday.

He identified the six captives as Tado Hanobas, Buloy Hanobas, Makol Hanobas, Gabriel Hanobas, Adonis Hanobas and another victim identified only as Isoy.

It was not certain how the five Hanobases were related to one another.

Murillo also said the motive has yet to be ascertained and investigation was continuing.