DAR chief's architect seized in Lanao Sur

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Armed men in police uniforms abducted an architect working for Agrarian Reform Secretary Nasser Pangandaman along the Marawi-Iligan Highway in Lanao del Sur past noon yesterday, the military said.

Maj. Ramon David Hontiveros, spokesman of the Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom), said architect Pablo Mercado, 45, together with seven companions, was cruising the highway on board a Toyota Hi-Lux driven by Herbert Baclayon when the armed men flagged down the vehicle in Sitio Bliss, Barangay Bubong in Saguiran, Lanao del Sur.

Citing reports, Hontiveros said the kidnappers, armed with three M-16 rifles and M203 grenade launchers, only took Mercado and dragged him to a blue Tamaraw FX with the word “Councilor” on the front license plate.

He said the police and military were still determining the motive behind Mercado’s abduction.