AFP checking if soldier broke protocol when abducted by Abu Sayyaf

The Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) is already checking if one of its soldiers had broken protocol when he was abducted by the Abu Sayyaf group on his way to Patikul, Sulu on Thursday.

In an interview on Balitanghali on Friday, Capt. Jo-Ann Petinglay, public information officer at the Western Mindanao Command, clarified that Staff Sgt. Anni Siraji of the 32nd Infantry Battalion (32IB) under the Joint Task Force Sulu was non-combatant, and was engaged in a "non-lethal" peace and development project in southern Philippines when he was snatched.

"With regard the conduct of non-lethal operations, may protocol iyong ginagawa nila doon. So tinitignan na kung baka may maling nagawa o hindi nagawang protocol iyong sundalo," said Petinglay.

She said the military has not yet heard from the soldier's abductors.

Despite the incident, Petinglay said government ofrces continue to secure the province from threats.

"Tuluy-tuloy at maraming forces na nandito, ang assets nandito rin provided by the AFP para magawa ang misyon na ibinigay ng presidente sa amin to defeat the Abu Sayyaf," she said.

Siraji, a Tausug and a Moro National Liberation Front (MNLF) integree, was abducted on Wednesday morning while he was on the road going to Igasan, Patikul in Sulu province.

Pursuit operations are ongoing to rescue the kidnap victim.

Patikul, Sulu is one of the main target areas of the military offensives for three months now as it was reported to be a known stronghold of the bandits. — MDM, GMA News