Gunmen seize van carrying teachers
ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Gunmen seized a van carrying public school teachers Thursday in the outskirts of Lamitan City in Basilan province.
Lamitan City acting police chief Senior Inspector Gean Gallardo said the teachers—four women and a man—were on board a passenger utility van bound for Tipo-Tipo town it was flagged down by the gunmen about 8 a.m. in Baas village.
Gallardo said the terrified passengers, who were ordered to alight from the vehicle, scampered and sought help from a nearby community.
The victims were later brought to the police for debriefing.
Authorities said the suspects apparently only aimed to take the van due to a grudge against its owner. The teachers were nonetheless secured following the incident as the Abu Sayyaf continues to attack areas in the province.
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