AFP, PNP, LGUs concerted efforts fastrack release of abducted DSWD worker in Basilan

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 64^th 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 104^th Base Command.

Immediately after the reported abduction, the troops from 18^th Infantry Battalion and 64^th Infantry Battalion conducted intensive pursuit and checkpoint operations in order to prevent the abductors from leaving the boundaries of Ungkaya Pukan and Sumisip. The 3^rd 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 104^th 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)