American national kidnapped in Zamboanga del Norte —police

An American national was reportedly abducted in Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte on Thursday evening, according to Police Regional Office 9 (PRO-9) on Friday.

“PRO-9 confirmed po na mayroon pong report na ni-lodge sa atin for abduction of an American national na nangyari po around 11 p.m. kagabi po sa isang sitio dito sa Zamboanga del Norte,” PRO-9 spokesperson Police Colonel Helen Galvez told Dobol B TV in an interview.

(PRO-9 confirmed that there is a report lodged with us for the abduction of an American national that happened around 11 p.m. last night at a sitio here in Zamboanga del Norte.)

According to Galvez, four armed men who introduced themselves as law enforcers took the 26-year-old victim from the house of his in-laws. She said authorities are still determining the group behind the abduction.

“Ito nga po nakita natin four men fully armed, nagpakilala nga na law enforcement sila pero ito po 'yung tinitignan natin sa imbestigasyon. Wala pa po tayong tinutukoy na grupo or anumang mga local criminals na nandun sa area,” she said.

(We are looking at four men fully armed. They identified themselves as law enforcement, but this is what we are looking at in the investigation. We have not yet identified any group or any local criminals who are in the area.)

In a separate statement, the PRO-9 said the 26-year-old American national resisted against the perpetrators but he was shot in the leg and brought to a boat which headed to the high seas.

The American national, married to a Filipino woman, has been in the Philippines for five months, Galvez said.

Authorities have yet to receive any information on possible ransom or demand in connection with the kidnapping of the American national, Galvez added.

In a "24 Oras" report by Efren Mamac on Friday, the victim also had no known big businesses or profession that may be seen as a possible motive.

“We are coordinating fully with other law enforcement agencies, AFP Counterparts and local authorities to ensure the swift resolution of this case. We want to assure the public, particularly the community of Sibuco, that we are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim,” the PRO-9 said.

“We ask for your cooperation and urge anyone with information that could aid in this investigation to come forward immediately,” it added.

Meanwhile, United States Embassy in the Philippines acting spokesperson Glenda Wallace said they are coordinating with local authorities about the kidnapping of the American national.

“We are aware of the reports and are coordinating with local authorities. We generally do not comment on reports of potential kidnappings while investigations are ongoing,” Wallace said in a statement.

“The Department of State has no greater priority than the welfare and safety of U.S. citizens abroad,” she added.

Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla, the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the PNP are working together to catch the suspects.

“Currently on active hot pursuit ang elements natin. ‘Yung mga talk na nagpakilalang pulis, tsismis pa rin yan as far as I am concerned,” he said.

(Our elements are currently on active hot pursuit. The talks of the suspects introducing themselves as police are still rumors, as far as I am concerned.) — Joviland Rita, Jiselle Anne Casucian with Michaela Del Callar/AOL/RSJ/BAP, GMA Integrated News