ZAMBOANGA CITY – Suspected Abu Sayyaf militants reportedly seized a government teacher in Sulu province in southern Philippines, various sources said.
The victim, Shariff Benjamin Asamli Ubaid, was abducted in the capital town of Jolo on Saturday, said one of his friends, who appealed to militants to free their hostage, who is known to be a hardworking teacher.
No other details of the abduction were available, but on the eve of his abduction, Ubaid wrote this on his Facebook account: “Have faith in Allah, everything will be in good hands!”
Police and military authorities did not release any information or reports about the latest abduction. And so is the Department of Education in the Muslim autonomous region.
The motive of the abduction is still unknown, but the Abu Sayyaf has been largely blamed for many ransom kidnappings in the troubled region of Mindanao.
It was unknown if Ubaid’s abductors communicated with his family or education officials, or if ransom has been demanded in exchange for his freedom.
The abduction occurred while the whole of southern Philippines is under an extended period of martial rule due to threats of terrorism and insurgency. (Mindanao Examiner)
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