Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte – October 18, 2024 – Police Regional Office 9 (PRO 9) has confirmed reports of the alleged abduction of a 26-year-old American national in Sitio Tungawan, Barangay Poblacion, Sibuco, Zamboanga del Norte, which occurred on October 17 at 11:00 PM. The authorities are actively pursuing leads to resolve the situation.
According to the initial police report, four armed men, posing as law enforcement officers, forcibly entered the victim’s residence. The American national, whose identity has not been disclosed, resisted the kidnapping attempt, which led to the assailants shooting him in the leg before taking him by force. The abductors then fled the scene aboard a boat heading towards open waters, heightening concerns over the victim’s whereabouts.
In response, Police Regional Office 9, in coordination with multiple agencies, has activated all available resources to locate the victim and bring the kidnappers to justice. A full-scale investigation is underway, led by the Anti-Kidnapping Unit 9, Zamboanga del Norte Police Provincial Office, and the Sibuco Municipal Police Station. The Marines, Provincial Mobile Force Company, and other police units are also involved in the hot pursuit operation.
The police are working closely with the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) and local authorities, with the goal of ensuring the victim’s safe recovery. PRO 9 assured the public, particularly the residents of Sibuco, that every effort is being made to resolve the incident swiftly and securely.
“We are doing everything in our power to secure the safe recovery of the victim. We urge anyone with information that could help in this investigation to come forward immediately,” the official statement read.
Authorities have provided hotlines for the public to share any relevant information: 0917-506-2000 (Globe) and 0998-598-6709 (Smart).
The situation remains under close watch, and updates will be provided as developments occur.
