Bandits kidnap 2 more women in Sulu

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - Two more women have been abducted by suspected Abu Sayyaf Group members in Patikul, Sulu on Sunday.

The victims were identified as Merilyn Suhali and Fatima Hussein, both natives of Jolo town.

The kidnapping came hours after gunmen freed two workers of the provincial public works and highway, who were abducted last Saturday.

Police said the bandits flagged down a passenger jeepney bound for Jolo at the vicinity of Sitio Santol, Barangay Latih in Patikul town at around 3 p.m.

The bandits then forcibly took Suhali and Hussein, who were passengers of the jeepney.

Hot pursuit operations have been launched by the local security forces to recover the women.