3 minors kidnapped in Zamboanga

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines – Unidentified gunmen kidnapped three minors after they failed to kidnap a bakeshop owner in Pitogo, Zamboanga del Sur on Tuesday, security officials said yesterday.

The minors, aged 17, 3 and 2, were at the fish port when the gunmen, who were fleeing from responding policemen and about to board their motorized boats, snatched them.

Police Officer 2 Josephus Elorde said the gunmen tried to kidnap Chzarenia Kapa Sajulga, but she managed to run and locked herself in a room.

The suspects tried to open the door by shooting its knob, but the gunshot alerted Sajulga’s neighbors, who sought police assistance.

Police Inspector Mario Abelo Regidor, Pitogo police officer-in-charge, ordered a manhunt for the gunmen.

Police have yet to identify the group behind the kidnapping.