Armed men seize trader, live-in partner in Zamboanga

A businesswoman and her live-in partner were abducted by five unidentified armed men in Zamboanga City early Sunday morning, a police report said. In a text message to reporters, Zamboanga City police director Senior Supt. Ecwin de Ocampo identified the victims as Nancy Gonato, 38, and her live-in partner Ronnie San Dagon. Gonato is the owner of Ocean World Marine Products based in the city, De Ocampo said. The incident took place at 12:20 a.m. at Taha private wharf in Baliwasan Seaside, the police official said. Citing initial information, De Ocampo said the suspects, posing as lobster sellers, arrived at the house the victims were renting and were let in by the helper. Once inside, the suspects immediately seized the couple and fled with the victims on a motorized pump boat heading westward, De Ocampo said, adding that Gonato's 15-year-old son was left behind. Police operation is on to hunt the suspects, he said. — LBG/BM, GMA News