Abu Sayyaf kidnaps Sulu trader

MANILA, Philippines - Suspected Abu Sayyaf gunmen abducted a Chinese businessman in Jolo, Sulu late Friday afternoon, the military reported yesterday.

Maj. Randolf Cabangbang, spokesman of the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) identified the victim as 67-year-old Filipino-Chinese Nelson Lim, owner of Times Hardware and Plaza Pancenteria in the capital town of Jolo.

Initial investigation showed that Lim was on his way home when seven heavily armed men abducted him at Sitio Lambayong, Barangay Bus-bus at about 5:30 p.m., the other day.

Witnesses said the victim was forced at gunpoint by his abductors into one of their getaway vehicles that sped off towards Barangay Sandah, Patikul town.

Responding Marines and police element failed to catch up with the kidnappers but recovered a colored blue L-300 Mitsubishi van (JBY-608), one of the two vehicles used in the abduction of Lim, at the outskirts of Barangay Sandah.

The vehicle was registered to a certain Laja Bagatasing also of Barangay Sandah.

Cabangbang disclosed that the kidnappers have reportedly made contacts with the family of the victim. However, it was not known whether demand have been made in exchange for the release of the victim. 

The abduction of Lim have brought to four kidnapped victims being separately held by the Abu Sayyaf, a group of militants blamed in the spate of high-profile kidnappings and deadly bombing attacks in the previous years. 

Cabangbang said that an Abu Sayyaf Group led by Asman Sawadjaan is being eyed as the suspects behind the latest abduction the island province.

Aside from Lim, the Abu Sayyaf is also currently holding three fishermen whom they abducted several months ago while fishing for a Zamboanga City-based fishing company, off the coast of Sulu.

The kidnappers have demanded P12-million ransom for the release of Renato Panisales, boat captain; Wennie Ferrer assistant engineer; and Jonald Ocsimar, quarter master of Mega 8 light boat, all working for the Mega Fishing Co., producer of the Mega Sardines based in this city. – With Roel Pareño, Rose Tamayo Tesoro