Palace says kidnapping of British businessman, wife isolated case despite Mindanao martial law

October 7, 2019

Malacanang said on Friday the abduction of a British national and his Filipina wife in Zamboanga del Sur was an "isolated" case despite existence of martial law in Mindanao.

In a press briefing, Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said that the Philippine National Police ( PNP) and other security forces are already doing something to rescue Allan and Wilma Hyrons who were snatched in their beach resort last Friday in Barangay Alindahaw in Tukuran town by armed men.

"Well, sometimes that happens even if there's martial law. Those were isolated cases. Sometimes you cannot avoid it," he said.

Panelo said if not for martial law, there could be more kidnapping incidents in southern Philippines.

But he urged foreigners to always take care of themselves and "avoid places where danger lurks."

Asked if Zamboanga del Sur should be avoided, Panelo said, "No, if there is one incident only. The PNP there and the Army can take care of that place."

The provincial government of Zamboanga del Sur is offering a P1-million reward for anyone who could provide the lead for the release of the Hyrons couple and the arrest of the kidnappers. Celerina Monte/DMS