Filipino-American kidnapped in Zamboanga del Norte

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines — A Filipino farmer of American descent was kidnapped in Sirawai, Zamboanga del Norte on Wednesday night.

Rex Triplet, 64, a resident of Barangay Piacan, was on a motorcycle with his wife and child when he was seized by four gunmen at about 6 p.m.

Triplet’s wife reported the incident to the police.

Capt. Dominador Dalion, Sirawai police station chief, said responding law enforcers failed to catch the suspects as the area was seven kilometers away from the police station.

Dalion said police units in coordination with military forces are combing the mountains of Barangay Tanapayan, also in Sirawai, where the gunmen believed to have brought the victim.

He said members of the lost command could be behind the kidnapping in retaliation for the arrest of their leaders.

”We apprehended the commander and an instructor of the lawless group in Barangay Baiwas last week,” Dalion said.

He appealed to the kidnappers to release the victim.

“The kidnap victim has no money. Although he has American blood, he was born here and is a Filipino citizen. His deceased mother is a Muslim and his wife is also a Muslim. There is no reason to target him,” Dalion said.