Security forces capture 2 kidnappers in Zamboanga province

From the Mindanao Examiner blog site (Mar 8): Security forces capture 2 kidnappers in Zamboanga province

Philippine soldiers and policemen captured two members of a notorious kidnap for ransom syndicate during a raid Saturday in the southern province of Zamboanga Sibugay.

Capt. Jefferson Mamauag, a spokesman for the 1st Infantry Division, said Hajer Dunggan and Alvin Prontosa were captured in their hideout in Tinan village in Ipil town, but three others managed to escape and are being hunted down by authorities.

He said security forces led by Lt. Col. Yegor Rey Barroquillo, commander of the 44th Infantry Battalion, also seized three automatic rifles and two fragmentation grenades, including munitions and detonating cord and three motorized pump boats the gang is using in their illegal activities.

Mamauag said the captured men were also involved in the kidnapping of five-year old Alexa Dela Cruz in January this year in Payao town. The child was released unharmed the next month.

“The group is notorious for kidnapping, extortion and piracy in Zamboanga Sibugay province,” he said, adding the gang was again planning to strike in Pagadian City.

Maj. Gen. Felicito Virgilio Trinidad, the division commander, commended troops and policemen for the capture of the kidnappers.

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