President Aquino Says New Group Could be Responsible for Samal Island Kidnapping

President Benigno S. Aquino III on Wednesday said that initial reports show that a new group could be responsible for the kidnapping of foreigners and a Filipino citizen from a resort in Samal Island, near Davao City.

“Mukhang sa initial na mga report sa atin, parang bagong grupo ito. Siyempre, mag-a-account ulit ang ating intelligence services. Bakit nawala sa radar ito? O baka naman talagang bagong-bagong buo itong grupong ito,” President Aquino said during a media interview in Luna, Apayao province.

The President however expressed confidence in the country’s military and police in tracking down the kidnappers.

“Mataas ang kumpiyansa ko na hindi tumitigil ang ating kasundaluhan at kapulisan sa pagtugis sa lahat nitong mga elementong ito,” he said.

“Asahan po ninyo na hindi tumitigil ang ating security sector sa pagtugis dito sa mga taong ito.”

According to news reports, unidentified gunmen kidnapped three foreigners and one Filipina from the Oceanview Resort in Samal Island on Monday night.

The gunmen and their captives have reportedly been sighted in Davao Oriental. PND (ag)