Classes resume in Lamitan amid kidnap threat

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Classes in several schools in Basilan resumed yesterday amid tension after it was shut down last week by threats of kidnapping by suspected Abu Sayyaf militants, according to security officials.

Col. Nicano Dolojan, commander of the Special Operation Task Force-Basilan (SOTF-B), a composite team of Army elite troops from Special Forces and Army Scout Rangers, said the situation has been normalized as teachers and students have reported back to the 11 schools in Lamitan.

Dolojan said combined police and Army Special Forces have been deployed in the 11 affected schools in 10 villages where the schools were located in Lamitan town.

“The situation has normalized now with full security in place,” Dolojan said as he personally made an ocular inspection to ensure the security of the teachers.

The affected schools are located in Baas, Dangkalan, Magsaysay, Burgos, Manawit, Bohe Ibu, Cabobo, Bulingan, Lumutun and Parangbasak.

The suspension of classes last week was triggered by the circulation of text messages that teachers will be abducted again by the kidnappers and the alleged inaction of the Department of Education (DepEd) on the case of kidnap school principal Cecilia Sosas, prompted the school officials to suspend the classes.

Meanwhile, the CMC said the fate of Sosas remained uncertain as the abductors have not made new contact with the victim’s family.

Acting Gov. Al-Rasheed Sakalahul said the last time abductors made contact with the Sosas family was when it relayed its ransom demand of P1-million to the husband.

However, when they pressed for “proof of life,” the kidnappers have not contacted the Sosas family or the CMC.

Sosas, Baas Elementary School principal, was abducted last Nov. 15 along with head teacher Marlyn Yacapin, who was rescued an hour later after their kidnapping.

Dolojan said intelligence operatives continued to track down the whereabouts of the victims but military option will be a last resort for the victim.