October 6, 2012 News: Security mechanisms of the current peace process between the Government of the Philippines (GPH) and the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) had stepped up cooperation for the rescue operation of kidnapped victim Annie Datuwata Cuan.

“Both the GPH – MILF Adhoc Joint Action Group (AHJAG) and the Coordinating Committee on the Cessation of Hostilities (CCCH) are working closely for all the necessary coordination and cooperation to ensure the successful search and rescue operation for the kidnapped victim,” Von Al Haq, MILF Military Spokesperson, said.

Armed men abducted Cuan and her secretary at Petron Gas Station the victim owns in Libungan, Cotabato at about 6pm last Tuesday, October 2, 2012.

“The MILF will exhaust all efforts and cooperation with the government through the AHJAG and CCCH so that the victims can be rescued safely,” Al Haq assured.

He added kidnapping is heinous crime, plain and simple, and the perpetrators must be brought to justice and be neutralized.

Government and MILF ad been mobilized forces for the search and rescue operations, a cooperation known and lauded for the two parties in the context of the peace process.

He said the Chief of Staff of the Bangsamoro Islamic Armed Forces (BIAF) – MILF upon learning the kidnapping incident had immediately issued a marching order to all BIAF commanders, specifically the MILF Task Force Ittihad (Unity), to help in the search and rescue operations.

“The BIAF troops had accosted the operator of the motorized boat used by the kidnappers following their quick response,” Haq pointed out.

“Yes, the boat operator had identified the identity of the one believe to be the leader of the kidnappers and confirmed that the two victims were being held by the kidnappers while they were moving around the marshy areas of Pigcawayan, Midsayap and Kabuntalan,” he said.

Haq said the boat operator is now held under custody of the BIAF in Camp Darapanan.