Eastern Mindanao Command to focus on safe release of abducted DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley

From the Philippine News Agency (May 31): Eastern Mindanao Command to focus on safe release of abducted DENR inspectors in Compostela Valley

The Eastern Mindanao Command on Saturday announced that it will focus all its efforts to ensure the safe release of the six Department of Environment and Natural Resources (DENR) inspectors who were abducted by still unidentified armed men in Barangay New Leyte, Maco town, Compostela Valley Friday afternoon.

“Our primary concern is for the safe release of the civilians," Eastern Mindanao Command chief Lt. Gen. Ricardo Rainier Cruz III said.

Six DENR survey inspectors were abducted by still unidentified armed men in the above-mentioned area 2 p.m. Friday.

The victims were on their way to undertake validation and survey on the National Greening Program of the government in the area when snatched by the suspects.

The survey inspectors were identified as Kendrik Wong; Nico Lasaca; Chris Favila, Matthew Cua, Jonas Loredo and Tim Sabina.

Soldiers from the 1001st Infantry Brigade have joined the Philippine National Police in the pursuit operations.

While the local government unit of Maco has already directed the local officials of New Leyte to investigate the incident since there was no group that claimed responsibility in the abduction.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=649019