SAF troopers foil Abu kidnap of businessman

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Special Action Force (SAF) commandos prevented the kidnapping of a businessman by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits on an islet off Isabela City in Basilan Sunday night.

Ramon Sanson Jr., 56, was taken at gunpoint from his home on Malamawi Island in Barangay Sta. Barbara  at about 6:30 p.m. by seven armed men in police uniform.

Neighbors alerted the military, prompting the 4th Special Forces Battalion (SFB) to set up checkpoints, said 1/Lt. Archiemedez Aranas, civil military officer of 4th SFB.

Aranas said the commandos, backed by members of a government militia, engaged the gunmen in a brief firefight until the bandits were forced to retreat, leaving behind their captive.

Sanson said the kidnappers beat him up.

SAF troopers pursued the kidnappers, who were believed to have escaped in a speedboat.