Suspected MNLF members abduct 12 civilians in Basilan

DAVAO CITY, Philippines – At least 12 residents of Tipo-Tipo town in Basilan, were taken captive by alleged members of the Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) on Thursday afternoon, July 11. 

The military’s Western Mindanao Command said the abduction – done by about 50 members led by Commander Hassan alias Addang – transpired in Sitio Kakabigan, Barangay Bohe Baca, at around 4:20 pm.

The military said the group of kidnappers was led by a certain Commander Hassan alias Addang, and identified rido or clan war as the motive for the kidnapping.

The victims were identified as:

• Dalma Ambihal, 50
• Faija Banua, 44
• Hapsa Ambihal, 28
• Kalipa Ambihal, 22
• Alsaima Buddiman, 15
• Satra Banua, 13
• Haide Banua, 9
• Binbin Banua, 9
• Haipa Ambihal, 5
• Pasri Ambihal, 2
• Fathma Buddiman, 5 months
• An unidentified person

Four of the minors were already released as of posting.

The military said the possible motive behind the abduction is revenge of the MNLF members on the abduction of the 3 daughters of MNLF Commander Hassan.

The commander’s daughters –Umma, Kelma, and Pubu, all surnamed Duwalay – were abducted on July 9 at Triangle, Lamitan City, Basilan.

“The sequential abduction including minors is rooted in a 3-decade, long standing rido between the two families,” the military said. 

The military’s 18^th Infantry Battalion, led by Lieutenant Colonel Paolo P Perez, has initiated negotiations for the safe release of the victims. Officials of Barangay Bohe Baca in Tipo-Tipo, and of Barangay Cambug in Albarka town are helping out for the safe release of the victims.

Since the start of the year, AFP forces in Basilan, in particular 104^th Brigade, has facilitated the peaceful settlement of 18 cases of rido. – with a report from Richard Falcatan/Rappler.com