Sayyaf strikes in Basilan, seized canteen manager

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines (Mindanao Examiner / Mar. 15, 2010) – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants seized a school canteen manager in the southern Philippine province of Basilan, police said on Monday.

It said the woman, Examinda Lindio, was abducted over the weekend in Lamitan City and that her captors contacted the family and asking an unspecified amount of ransom.

“We have formed a task force that will handle this case,” said Senior Superintendent Antonio Mendoza, the provincial police chief, told the Mindanao Examiner.

Mendoza said the woman was reported missing on Saturday until the kidnappers contacted her family to say that she is being held hostage. It was unknown how much the kidnappers were demanding, but police said the gang is led by Pulah Montong.

Police and military previously warned that the Abu Sayyaf may strike at any opportune time. The Abu Sayyaf has been blamed for many kidnappings and terrorism in the southern Philippines.

Just last week, troops captured an Abu Sayyaf base and killed at least 6 militants in an ensuing firefight in the province. (Mindanao Examiner)