Trader, 5 others kidnapped in North Cotabato

Sun.Star: DAVAO CITY -- Unidentified armed men reportedly kidnapped six people in North Cotabato on Saturday afternoon. The victims were identified as Dabawenyo businessman Nestor Fruto and siblings Marvin and Neselyn, Melvin Camacho, Anna Supe, and El Marie Jones Goc-ong. Reports reaching Sun.Star Davao said the victims were onboard a red Mitsubushi Strada with a Davao-registered license plate when armed men flagged down their vehicle along Buluan highway. The armed suspects then took the victims hostage and commandeered their vehicle. The red pick-up was last sighted in Barangay Katico, President Quirino in Sultan Kudarat. It was believed headed for Paglat, Maguindanao then to Lambayong and Sultan Sabaronguis. The victims were reportedly carrying a huge sum of money and were on their way from Tacurong to Kidapawan City when the kidnapping happened around five in the afternoon. Police authorities have still not identified the suspects as of this writing. The military's 75th IB has already set up checkpoints. - Sun.Star