2 Filipino-Algerians, 1 Islamic study clerk abducted by Abu Sayyaf gunmen

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Xinhua) - A Muslim clerk of an Islamic study center and two Filipino-Algerian sisters in Sulu were abducted yesterday separately by suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen, security officials said today.

The Filipino-Algerian sisters, daughters of a Tausug Imam (Muslim preacher), grew up in Zamboanga city, said Jose Joriel Cenabre, chief of the Task Force in Sulu.  

Initial investigation showed that the two victims were on board a jeepney that was flagged down by the Abu Sayyaf group at the village of Liang in Patikul town at about 9:30 a.m. Saturday. The gunmen immediately seized the two victims and escaped toward unknown direction.

The military unit in Sulu said they had no information yet as to whether the suspects have set any demands for the release of the two victims.

In another case, a Muslim clerk of an Islamic Study center of state-run Western Mindanao State University (WMSU) was abducted by eight gunmen Saturday night in a coastal Muslim village in Zamboanga, police said.

The victim was seized by the gunmen wearing camouflage uniforms from his house at Campo Islam village shortly before 8 p.m. yesterday, Zamboanga city police director Edwin de Ocampo, said.

The police, navy, and military forces in adjacent province of Basilan have launched search on the possible presence of the victim and his abductors.

De Ocampo said they were investigating the motive of the abduction.