Military expands search for British trader, wife

ZAMBOANGA CITY – The military has launched massive air and ground search and rescue operations for a British businessman and his Filipina wife, who were seized by still unidentified men in Tukuran, Zamboanga del Sur more than a week ago.

This was done after the municipal police’s efforts to track the kidnappers yielded no clues on the identities of the suspects.

The local police had the suspects’ images sketched based on the descriptions of the witnesses, but it has yet to identify them or determine if they belong to a group.

All available naval and air assets have been utilized by the task force that conducted maritime and aerial operations, according to Maj. Arvin John Encinas, spokesman for the Western Mindanao Command.

Ground troopers expanded the search and rescue operations in the entire Zamboanga peninsula.

“This is to narrow down the route and location of the kidnappers,” Encinas said.

Sources in Zamboanga del Sur said the kidnappers have attempted to contact the victims’ family.

Authorities refused to comment on the information as they cautioned the public against speculating as this might put the lives of the victims in danger.

The victims, who operate a beach resort and a private school in the town, were seized in Barangay Alindahaw on Oct. 4.

The kidnappers dragged the couple into two waiting motorboats, which fled in different directions.