5 logging workers rescued in Lanao

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Government security forces rescued yesterday five workers of a logging company held captive for four days in Kapai, Lanao del Sur by Muslim rebels, the military said.

Lt. Stefani Cacho, spokesman for Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), identified the workers as Eudillo Padilla, Rene Morteza, Felipe Lanuza, Vicky Lanuza, and Gerald Cabanig.

They were all employees of Vicmar Logging Concession and residents of Cagayan de Oro.

Cacho said the victims were abducted by eight gunmen under one Commander Basit Kauyag last Wednesday at about 2:45 a.m. while sleeping at their quarters at Sitio Champion, Panoruganan, Kapai town. – Roel Pareno