Abus tagged in Sulu doctor’s kidnap

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — Abu Sayyaf bandits are believed to be behind the kidnapping of a doctor in Jolo, Sulu on Tuesday night. 

Lt. Gen. Cirilito Sobejana, Western Mindanao Command (Westmincom) chief, said Daniel Moreno was snatched by four men wearing police and military uniforms at his clinic in Barangay Walled City, a few meters away from the town hall and police station, and dragged him into a Tamaraw FX.

Sobejana said personnel of the Metro Jolo Interagency Task Group launched an operation to rescue Moreno and arrest his captors. 

The military said Abu Sayyaf bandits also disguised themselves as government troopers when they kidnapped American priest Clarence William Bertelsman in a chapel near Camp Asturias in July 1994. 

Westmincom spokesman Maj. Arvin John Encinas said civilians in Sulu have been advised on the ban on the wearing of police and military uniforms. 

Encinas said government forces manning checkpoints in Sulu were told to strictly implement orders against unauthorized use of military and police uniforms.

“If necessary... their IDs must be checked,” he said. 

No ransom demand

Authorities said the kidnappers have not contacted the family of the victim for any ransom demand. 

Encinas said Moreno could have been kidnapped so he could treat wounded Abu Sayyaf bandits.

Government troopers pursuing the kidnappers of five Indonesian fishermen recently encountered the bandits on Sulare Island off the coast of Parang. 

The Indonesians were snatched in the waters off Lahad Datu in Sabah, Malaysia on Jan. 17. – With John Unson, Jaime Laude