PNP confirms abduction of 2 female cops in Sulu

From the Philippine News Agency (Apr 30): PNP confirms abduction of 2 female cops in Sulu

The Philippine National Police (PNP) said it is constantly monitoring developments on the abduction of two female police officers in Patikul, Sulu.

During Monday's press briefing, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said they have yet to receive a comprehensive report on the incident.

Police Officer 2 Benierose Alvarez, Police Officer 1 Dinah Gumahad, along with two civilians, Jakosalem Ahamad Blas and Faizal Ahidji, were on board a tricycle outside Camp Bautista near the Jolo Airport on Sunday when they were intercepted by armed men.

Alvarez is detailed with the PNP-Crime Laboratory.

"Ang alam natin is yung isa taga (PNP) Crime Lab, tapos yung isa, kaibigan niya (What we know is one of the victims is from the PNP Crime Lab and the other one is her friend). Galing sila sa kampo ng AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) at nung pauwi at around 11 a.m yesterday (Sunday), doon sila in-abduct (They came from the AFP camp and they were abducted when around 11 a.m. yesterday when they were on the way home). As of now, wala pang (there is no) communication whatsoever, hindi pa sila ma-contact at wala pang kumokontak doon sa ating tropa sa lugar (they cannot be contacted and no contacts have been made with our troops in the area)," Albayalde said of the incident.

"As of this (morning), wala pa (no updates yet). The operations are still being conducted by our AFP (Armed Forces of the Philippines) doon sa area together with our regional mobile group," Albayalde said.

In recent months, local armed groups have started going after soft targets instead of high profile individuals. These soft targets are mostly skilled workers whose families are willing to pay ransom for their safe release.

http://www.pna.gov.ph/articles/1033649