4 Pinoys in Syria arrested, not kidnapped

MANILA, Philippines - Malacañang denied yesterday that four Filipinos were kidnapped by members of the Islamic State of Iraq and Syria (ISIS) in Syria.

Quoting a report from Ambassador Nestor Padalhin, charge d’ affaires of the Philippine embassy in Syria, presidential spokesman Edwin Lacierda said the Filipinos were apprehended because of expired iqamas or permits.

Lacierda said the embassy and a lawyer were helping them sort out the matter.

Since hostilities in Syria broke out in 2011, the government has enforced a mandatory repatriation program for Filipinos living and working there to save them from being caught up in the violence.