AFP and PNP conduct joint Rescue Operations to kidnapped victims in Zambo del Norte

By Jong Cadion

ZAMBOANGA CITY (March 5, 2017) - Intensified operations are continuously being launched by troops of the Joint Task Forces Zamboanga and Basilan under the Western Mindanao to rescue two Filipinos abducted in Sta. Maria, Siocon in the nearby province of Zamboanga del Norte, miltary official said.

Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom) Information Officer Cpt. Jo-Ann D. Petinglay disclosed that troops promptly responded after receiving reports that at 7:20pm of March 3 (Friday) , Jose Duterte, 60 years old, and her wife, Jessica Duterte, 52 years old, were abducted by seven (7) unidentified personalities at their residence in Sta. Maria, Siocon.

Cpt. Petinglay said that the abductors fled away, together with the victims, onboard a pumpboat heading towards the coastal areas of Sirawai.

Navy troops maximized intel monitoring and alerted the Naval Task Groups in all areas to pre-empt possible landing of said pumpboat, Cpt. Petinglay added.

"We understand the situation of the families of the victims and we sympathize with them. It is in this light that our troops and the PNP are doing their best to bring the victims back to their family",

MGen. Carlito G. Galvez Jr said. "We ask for cooperation from the family and those who know any information about the incident as no matter how small, it might be of use to the immediate rescue of the victims".

The Command continues to assist the police and local government units in tracking down the perpetrators and rescuing the victims, Cpt. Petinglay added.