In a text message to GMA News Online, AFP spokesman Lt. Col. Ramon Zagala said the Naval Task Force 62 has started its operations, even as units of the military’s Western Mindanao Command continue their search and rescue operations in the Basilan, Sulu, and Tawi-Tawi areas, “where the two kidnapped victims were supposedly brought by kidnappers from Sabah.”
In Malacañang, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said on state-run dzRB the AFP is also in contact with the Philippine National Police to help in the search.
“So far, [may] combined efforts ng AFP at saka ng PNP… sa pag-recover at paghahanap doon sa dalawang kidnap victims,” she said.
Asked if the government is set to coordinate with Chinese authorities in the search, Valte said: “I’ve not heard of any proposal to do that, at this time.”
A report from Agence France-Presse on Friday indicated China is pressuring Malaysia to rescue
kidnapped Chinese tourist.
Earlier, Zagala said the Abu Sayyaf Group may be behind the abduction.
He said the victims were kidnapped by seven armed men believed to be members of an Abu Sayyaf Group (ASG) unit in Tawi-Tawi.
One of the members of the unit is Murphy Ambang Ladia (also known as Haji Gulam), a former member of the Moro National Liberation Front who joined the bandit group operating in Tawi-Tawi, he added.
In a separate text message to GMA News Online, Zagala also said: “Subject [Gulam] later joined the ASG operating in Tawi-Tawi under ASG Binang Sahirol. Initial available information obtained further states that said abductors proceeded to the vicinity of Simunol Munipality in Tawi-Tawi, eluding Malaysian authorities conducting pursuit operations.”
Zagala said the bandits immediately boarded a white speedboat and proceeded towards the Philippine Sea. — LBG, GMA News
