MANILA, Philippines – An unarmed 26th Infantry Batallion trooper in San Luis, Agusan del Sur was reportedly abducted by New People’s Army rebels on Saturday morning.
According to Eastern Mindanao Command public affairs office chief Capt. Alberto Caber, the kidnapping occurred at 9 a.m. at the vicinity of Kilometer 16, Barangay Policarpio, San Luis town.
The soldiers from Eastern Mindanao Command are currently pursuing an estimated 30 or more NPA rebels allegedly responsible for the abduction.
Caber said the kidnapped soldier, whose identity has been withheld, was aboard a motorcycle driven by Reneboy Galino when flagged and stopped by the heavily armed rebels who included five “Amazons” in their ranks.
The NPAs reportedly quickly fled to an unknown destination after snatching the victim at gunpoint.
The abducted soldier is among the peace development team who recently visited Barangay Mahagsay, San Luis, Agusan del Sur.
The Armed Forces of the Philippines on Sunday also confirmed the abduction.