Army troops rescue hostage victims in Lanao

Five hostage victims were rescued by the combined elements of the Philippine Army and the Philippine National Police with the support of the local officials of Lanao del Sur on March 14.

Reports reaching the Philippine Army headquarters from field units disclosed that combined elements of the 103rd Brigade headed by its commander Col Rey C Ardo with the 33rd Infantry Battalion, 15th Infantry Battalion, 65th Infantry Battalion, 12th Light Armor Company, and the 1501st Provincial Mobile Group successfully rescued five employees of VICMAR logging concession in Poblacion Kapay, Lanao del Sur about two days ago.

The rescued victims were identified as Rene Morteza, Felipe Lanuza, Vicky Lanuza, Jerald Cabanig, and Eudillo Padilla. The victims were abducted at Sitio Champion, Panoruganan, Kapai, Lanao del Sur and were brought to several places until their rescue last Sunday.

With the continued support of local government units and other government agencies, the Philippine Army shall remain responsive to the needs of the people. Exhausting all possible resources in order to serve the country and the people better, the Philippine Army remains undaunted in its commitment to provide peace and security particularly in Mindanao. #