Armed men snatch 3 Basilan folk

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Gunmen abducted three civilians in a remote village of Tipo-Tipo town, Basilan in what authority believed to be a “tooth for a tooth” ven­detta between feuding clans, according to a military official.

Col. Nicano Dolojan, commander of the Army Special Forces that composed the Special Operations Task Force-Basilan (SOTF-B), said the victims were on board a passenger jeepney plying the towns of Al-Barka to Lamitan was flagged down by the unidentified gunmen about 10:35 a.m. Saturday in the vicinity of Barangay Bohe Bes­sey, Tipo-Tipo town.

Dolojan said the victims, who are all members of the Yakan tribe, were identified as Bontoy Ongke, Imomoh Danih, both residents of Barangay Magkawa, and Sarani Sialul of Barangay Kuhon, all in Al-Barka.

“The reason for the abduction is believed to be in retaliation for previous abduction,” Dolojan said citing the case was not connected with the Abu Sayyaf or kidnap for ransom group (KFRG).

He said the case might be a case of “tooth for a tooth” as the previous abduction case was allegedly perpetrated by the family of the victims.

The provincial crisis management committee, chaired by vice Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakala­hul, have already tapped the barangay captains and the Muslim council of elders in the area to settle the rido (clan feud).

The abduction came as authorities in the province were trying to free two female hostages held captive separately by suspected Abu Sayyaf in exchange for ransom.

The kidnappers have been holding captive elementary school principal Cecilia Sosas in Tuburan town since she was abducted, along with her head teacher Marlyn Yacapin on Nov. 15 in Barangay Baas, Lamitan.

The other female victim is 60-year-old retailer Rose Baranda who was taken Nov. 2 in Tumahubong, Sumisip town.