2 missing after Abu Sayyaf rebels torch Basilan sawmill

ISABELA CITY—Two persons went missing when Abu Sayyaf gunmen stormed a sawmill in Maluso, Basilan on Thursday, authorities said Friday.

Maluso Mayor Hanie Bud told the Inquirer that Dodong Divinagracia, 50; and his son, Ily, 25, were manning the sawmill when Abu Sayyaf gunmen came and set the place on fire.

“We are waiting for updates as the military and barangay (village) officials concerned are still in the area,” Bud said.

Supt. Nickson Muksan, the Basilan police chief, said a civilian had reported that the gunmen included Abu Sayyaf members Pasil Bayali and a certain Otoh Dobol and that the Divinagracias were taken as hostages./rga