Philippines Palawan on Alert for Kidnappings AUG 2018

[Steadman Uhlich]

Authorities in the Philippines are on alert because intelligence sources say that Abu Sayyaf is suspected of planning to kidnap people from Palawan.

See the news article for more details:

Palawan’s security forces are on “heightened alert” after intelligence reports suggested that Abu Sayyaf was planning a kidnap raid on the island.

Here are a few EXCERPTS:

“In a statement issued yesterday (Sunday, August 12), Lieutenant General Rozzano Briguez said the WESCOM [Western Command] was increasing its “security posturing in Palawan against all forms of threats”.

“the alarm was first raised by Provincial Peace and Order Council member Teodoro Jose Matta. He said his organisation had received credible intelligence that a Sulu-based cell of the terror group may already have departed for Palawan.”

“This was not the first kidnap alert issued for Palawan. In May last year, we reported how the US Embassy in Manila issued an alert, warning that the Puerto Princesa Subterranean River National Park was an area of particular concern.

Abu Sayyaf have also been responsible for kidnapping and beheading hostages, including Canadians John Risdel and Robert Hall.”

Palawan on high alert following warning of Abu Sayyaf kidnap gang