CMC, task group activated to address Zambo Sibugay mayor's abduction

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 8): CMC, task group activated to address Zambo Sibugay mayor's abduction

A Crisis Management Committee (CMC) as well as an Special Investigation Task Group (SITG) were activated to handle the abduction case of a lady town mayor in the nearby province of Zamboanga Sibugay, a top police official disclosed Wednesday.

The CMC is chaired by Zamboanga Sibugay Gov. Wilter Palma while Senior Supt. Jose Bayani Gucela, heads the SITG “Adana” which was named after the surname of Mayor Gemma Adana of Naga municipality.

Adana was seized by gunmen brandishing high-powered firearms around 9:15 p.m. Monday from her residence in Barangay Taytay Manubo, Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay.

Gucela disclosed they discussed updates of the incident to include intelligence, investigation and operation updates pertaining to the incident when SITG Adana was activated.

Gucela said that Adana, her family and visitors were “having sort of happy hour through video-k singing at her residence” after they ate dinner when six gunmen clad in camouflage uniforms arrived unnoticed.

Gucela said five of the gunmen mixed with the group of the mayor while the other one stayed at the motorized banca since Adana’s residence is just near the shoreline.

“Subsequently at gun point three of the suspects went directly to Mayor Adana and forcibly grabbed and brought the victim at the back portion of their house and embarked to the boat then sped off heading towards high seas of Naga Municipality,” Gucela said.

“Combined PNP/AFP operations were immediately mobilized to conduct hot pursuit operations,” Gucela added.

Julius Cayon, Naga municipal councilor, said Adana’s husband even tried to come to the rescue of his wife but was overpowered by the gunmen.

Cayon, who was designated as the CMC spokesman, said no group has claimed responsibility over the incident as well as no call nor demand was made.

Gucela said investigation continues in a bid to identify the suspects and to file appropriate criminal case against them.

Meanwhile, Gucela said that they were advised to work silently due to sensitivity of the case.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/index.php?idn=2&sid=&nid=2&rid=751300