By Rene V. Carbayas
ISABELA CITY, Basilan – Persistent efforts from the combined team of the police, the military, and
the local government units in Basilan have resulted to the immediate release of
abducted worker of the Department of Social Welfare and Development (DSWD) in
Basilan.
Jenely Luna-Entera, a social worker of the DSWD was released from
her abductors at exactly 7:30 p.m. of May 23, 2013 at Barangay Marang, Sumisip,
Basilan after she was abducted last May 22 at about 9:00 a.m.
A military report revealed that
Jenelyn Luna-Entera was released to the Mayor of Sumisip, Basilan, Gulam Boy
Hataman and Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos, Commander of 64th
IB, First Infantry Division of the Philippine Army (PA).
The safe release was made possible
through the collective negotiation efforts conducted initially by local
government officials of Ungkaya Pukan headed by Mayors Joel and Jomar, Sumisip
Mayor, Hataman and Mayor Tong Listarul, Lieutenant Colonel Leonardo Dacumos and
Lieutenant Colonel Paulo Perez, the Battalion Commanders in the area and the
MILF 104th Base Command.
Immediately after the reported
abduction, the troops from 18th Infantry Battalion and 64th
Infantry Battalion conducted intensive pursuit and checkpoint operations in
order to prevent the abductors from leaving the boundaries of Ungkaya Pukan and
Sumisip. The 3rd SRBN was also shifted to Ungkaya Pukan to maintain
pressure and contain the area.
Subsequently, Ungkaya Pukan Crisis
Committee was activated while Sumisip and Provincial Crisis Committee were also
activated to support the ongoing negotiations.
ARMM Governor Mujiv Hataman
also sought the help of the MILF Central Committee and 104th MILF
Base Command for the safe release of Ms. Entera.
The successful and immediate release
of the victim was made possible through the efforts of all concerned local
government agencies, the police and the military and other concerned citizens.
Moreover, the Provincial Peace and
Order Council (PPOC) was also immediately convened in an emergency meeting in
the morning of May 23 to discuss measures to get the abducted social worker
safely and quickly. Ms Luna’s parents were also present and were assured of the
government’s efforts to get their daughter quickly from the hands of her
abductors.
In the PPOC meeting, the council has
reiterated and obliged all government agencies, especially those implementing
programs in the different barangays and areas of Basilan, to always coordinate
with local government units.
The council members also asked local government units to
adopt measures in protecting government and development workers who are
bringing programs and projects to help the poor in the area, especially in
areas identified as critical. (FPG/RVC/WESMINCOM/PIA9-ZBST)