A teacher of Malungun Elementary School in Maguing, Lanao del Sur, was reportedly abducted by armed suspects in Barangay Lilod at around 2:30 p.m. Wednesday, August 12, according to an initial report from the Police Regional Office–Bangsamoro Autonomous Region (PRO BAR).
The victim was identified as Baesarome Bagup, who was reportedly traveling aboard a tricycle when the incident occurred.
Based on the police report, Bagup was with tricycle driver Saidona Musa and Hakeem Magandia, the secretary of Barangay Malungon, when their vehicle reached the area of Barangay Lilod. Their account said a red Toyota Rush suddenly blocked their path.
Two men allegedly emerged from the vehicle. One of the suspects was reportedly identified by the witnesses as a certain alias “Arab.” The suspects allegedly forcibly pulled Bagup out of the tricycle and brought the teacher into their vehicle.
The suspects then reportedly fled the area with Bagup, prompting Musa and Magandia to immediately seek assistance from authorities and report the incident to the Maguing Municipal Police Station.
Authorities have since launched a hot-pursuit operation aimed at locating the suspects and determining the whereabouts of the abducted teacher.
As of the latest available information, police have not provided further details on the identities of the other alleged abductors, their possible motive, or whether any demand has been made in connection with the reported abduction.
The circumstances surrounding the incident remain under investigation. The reported identification of one of the suspects as alias “Arab” is based on the initial account of witnesses and has not, at this stage, been independently established by authorities as the suspect’s confirmed identity.
Police have also yet to issue an official update on the condition and whereabouts of Bagup.
Authorities are expected to continue gathering statements from witnesses and conducting follow-up operations as the investigation into the reported abduction progresses.