A couple was reportedly abducted by seven heavily-armed men while inside their house in Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte, Friday night.
Police Supt. Rogelio Alabata, PRO-9 spokesperson, identified the kidnapped couple as Jose Duterte, 62, and his 52-year-old wife, Jessica, both residents of Sitio Tabuk, Barangay Sta. Maria, Siocon, Zamboanga del Norte.
Alabata said at least seven armed men wearing police uniforms and ski masks were said to be responsible for the kidnapping of the Duterte couple.
The armed men reportedly arrived at the house at about 8 p.m. Friday and abducted the couple who were then resting inside their residence.
Witnesses said two other suspects served as lookouts while the kidnapping was taking place.
Alabata said the suspects fled towards the coastal area together with the couple and boarded a motorized banca. From there, they then sped towards unknown direction.
It still unknown why the couple was abducted.
Alabata said hot pursuit operation is currently being conducted by the Siocon Municipal Police Station and the 13th Army Special Forces to locate the victims and their abductors.
Alabata said verification is still being made to determine if the two victims are related to President Rodrigo Duterte and the first family.
For his part, Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) Public Affairs Office chief Marine Colonel Edgard Arevalo, said AFP Joint Task Forces have been informed and alerted about the incident. (FRANCIS T. WAKEFIELD)