Zamboanga mayors target of ransom kidnappings

Posted to the Mindanao Examiner (Sep 18, 2020): Zamboanga mayors target of ransom kidnappings

MAYORS IN Zamboanga Peninsula are now targets of ransom kidnapping, according to the police which bared the names of local chief executives during a virtual executive meeting called recently by the Regional Peace and Order Council or RPOC.

Zamboanga City Mayor Beng Climaco, who chairs the RPOC, said the police revealed threats on kidnapping, as well as the names of mayors who are now targets of bad elements.

She said the meeting also thoroughly discussed terror and bombing threats in Zamboanga Peninsula and other issues. The meeting were attended by Zamboanga del Sur Governor Victor Yu, Zamboanga del Norte Governor Roberto Uy, Sibugay Governor Wilter Palma, Isabela City Mayor Djalia Hataman, Ipil Mayor Anamel Oligario, Liloy Mayor Roberto Uy Jr., and representatives from member government agencies to include the Department of the Interior and Local Government, the National Intelligence Coordinating Agency, Police Regional Office 9, Western Mindanao Command, the 1st Infantry Division, among others.

“The RPOC unanimously approved a resolution commending the 102nd Infantry Brigade for the successful operation against Abu Sayyafs in Zamboanga Sibugay (last September 9). The governor of Sibugay lauded the successful operations by the 102nd Infantry Brigade and the 44th Infantry Battalion and the Philippine National Police, as well as the Philippine Air Force for the air support (during the operations), the Philippine Navy for the naval assault, and all security forces.”

“The swift and decisive action of the security forces prevented bombings and acts of terrorism in the Peninsula. The RPOC sought intensified security and urged the public to be proactive and vigilant, but calm,” Climaco said.

At least 5 Abu Sayyaf terrorists were killed and 2 soldiers wounded in military operations in the towns of Alicia and R.T. Lim. The fighting erupted in Barangay President Roxas in R.T. Lim where security forces caught up with a group of gunmen escaping a military operation from the nearby town of Alicia.

Citing intelligence reports, Brig. Gen. Leonel Nicolas, commander of the 102nd Infantry Brigade, said the Basilan-based Abu Sayyaf gunmen were on a kidnapping mission.

Climaco said security is tight in Zamboanga since the twin suicide bombings in Sulu's capital town of Jolo late last month. She said roadblocks and checkpoints around the city are being guarded by soldiers and policemen and patrols continue even at night.

The Ulama Council also reaffirmed its support to the local government of Zamboanga and the security sector following a meeting with Col. John Divinagracia, commander of the Task Force Zamboanga; and Col. Rexmel Reyes, acting Zamboanga police chief; and the Technical Working Group-Preventing and Countering Violent Extremism and Terrorism led by Climaco and represented by Jojo Abdusalam.

Abdusalam said the conference was the first of a series of meetings for the crafting of an action plan intended to empower the community in the fight against terrorism and other forms of lawlessness. (Zamboanga Post)

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