4 fishing boat crewmen missing off Sulu; reported abducted

ZAMBOANGA CITY — Unidentified gunmen snatched four fishing boat crew while their vessel was sailing off Sulu, the military said Wednesday.

Major Filemon Tan Jr.,  the spokesperson of Western Mindanao Command, said the incident, which took place around 2:30 a.m. Tuesday, was confirmed when the crew of the sister ship of FB Ramona 2 got alarmed after not receiving any feedback from their companions.

“At 5 a.m., FB MELISSA 2 proceeded to the location of her sister ship and found all crew on board missing and the VHF Radio/GPS stolen while other belongings are intact,” Tan said.

The abducted victims were identified as Noel Besconde, the boat captain; , Reyjim Rocabo, Marine Diesel Mechanic (MDM); Roy Ramos and Roel Liones, both crew members. The victims were all residents of Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur. CBB