School principal kidnapped in south Phiilppines

A school principal was kidnapped by suspected members of the rogue group Abu Sayyaf on Monday morning in southern Philippines, police said. The Basilan provincial police office identified the victim as Benita Lotonio, a principal of Manggal Elementary School in Sumisip town, Basilan province. Police said Lotonio and several teachers were on board a public utility jeepney and were on their way to Isabela City when their vehicle was flagged down by hooded gunmen at 6:20 a.m., Monday along Libug village in Sumisip town. The gunmen forcibly took Lotonio then fled towards an unknown direction. Responding government security forces failed to catch up with the bandits. A pursuit operation has been launched by government troops to rescue the kidnapped victim.