MANILA, Philippines - Gunmen reportedly abducted an incumbent barangay chairman in Basilan province a day before the barangay elections, the Philippine National Police said Monday.
Chief Inspector Almer Ismael of Lami of Lamitan City police said Alrusdi Kasim Jainul, the incumbent barangay chairman of Tandung Ahas, was on his way to Isabela City around 9:45 a.m. Sunday when a black sports utility vehicle and two motorcycles blocked his path in Barangay Baluno.
Police said the suspects snatched the barangay official at gunpoint, dragged him into to the SUV and sped off towards Isabela City.
The incident was most likely politically-motivated, police said.