Crisis group formed to handle abduction of Fil-Algerian sisters

MANILA, Philippines (Xinhua) - A crisis action committee was formed to handle the recent kidnapping of two Filipino-Algerian sisters in Sulu, a senior official said today.

Presidential Spokesperson Edwin Lacierda told a news briefing that the military has been coordinating with Sulu Governor Abdusakur Tan, head of the crisis action committee.

"Since the abduction happened in Sulu, Governor Tan is the head of the local crisis action committee," he said, adding that the victims are also Tausugs, a tribe in Sulu.

The Filipino-Algerian sisters, daughters of a Tausug Imam (Muslim preacher), were abducted by suspected members of the terrorist Abu Sayyaf Group in Liang village, Patikul town last Saturday morning.