AFP, PNP out to rescue Duterte couple in Zamboanga del Norte

The Armed Forces of the PhilIippines (AFP) Western Mindanao Command (WesMinCom), yesterday said that intensified operations were launched by troops of the Joint Task Forces Zam to rescue a couple, surnamed Duterte, who was abducted in Sta. Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, Friday night.

WesMinCom spokesperson Army Captain Jo-Ann D. Petinglay said troops promptly responded after receiving reports that Jose Duterte, 60, and his wife, Jessica, 52, were abducted by seven to eight unidentified personalities at their residence in Sta. Maria, Siocon. at 7:20 p.m. Friday.

The abductors, with the Dutertes in-custody, were able to make good their escape by getting on a pumpboat headed for the coastal areas of Sirawai.

As of press time yesterday, there was no confirmation from the camp of President Rodrigo Roa Duterte if the kidnapped couple was his relative.

Petinglay said Navy troops have already maximized intelligence monitoring, and alerted the Naval Task Groups in all areas to pre-empt the possible landing of the get-away vessel.

"We understand the situation of the families of the victims and we sympathize with them. It is in this light that our troops and the PNP are doing their best to bring the victims back to their family,” WesMinCom head Maj. General Carlito G. Galvez Jr. said.

"We ask for cooperation from the family and those who know any information about the incident as no matter how small, it might be of use to the immediate rescue of the victims," he added.

Galvez said the Command will continue to assist the police and local government units in tracking down the perperators and in rescuing the victims.