BASILAN ISLAND (Zamboanga Journal / 11 May) Security forces on Thursday searched for a nine-year old girl kidnapped by suspected Abu Sayyaf bandits in Basilan island in the southern Philippines, officials said.
Officials said Donna May Ramos -- whose father, Donnel Ramos, is a councilor in Lamitan town -- was kidnapped by two men late Wednesday afternoon while playing with her bicycle.
"Efforts are ongoing to locate the girl. We are working closely with the police and local government officials to recover the victim safely," said Brig. Gen. Raymundo Ferrer, commander of military forces in Basilan.
He said the kidnappers fled to the neighboring town of Tuburan.
No group claimed responsibility for the latest abduction, but Ferrer said the two men have already been identified by the authorities and were believed to be members of the Abu Sayyaf group, blamed for the string of kidnappings for ransom and terrorism in the southern region.
Police said the two men originally seized Ramos and an unidentified boy, but he was able to escape. "The boy escaped and the two men fled with the girl. We are still checking the identity of the boy. He could shed some light about this incident," said Supt. Clifford Gairanod.
Authorities said the kidnappers have not contacted the victim's family.
Another group of the Abu Sayyaf bandits is still holding a kidnapped pharmacy owner Bren Vergarra, 41, in Jolo island. His 70-year old mother, Caridad, who was also kidnapped April 12, was freed two weeks later. The kidnappers originally demanded two million pesos ransom in exchange for the victim's safe release.
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