Statement from the Director, Naval Public Affairs Office RE- Rescued Kidnap Victim in Zamboanga City

BY: LCOL EDGARD A AREVALO PN(M)
Director, Naval Public Affairs Office

1. Based from the information furnished to the Navy Headquarters by Rear Admiral Alexander Pama, Commander of the Naval Forces Western Mindanao (NFWM) and JTF Trillium, Mr Charlie Reith was rescued this morning at 3 a.m. after more than two months in the hands of his suspected kidnappers.

2. The rescuers were members of the PNP backed by the Navy Special Operations Team and crew of BRP General Mariano Alvarez (PS38) from the NFWM. The kidnap victim is now in the company of his family after undergoing medical check-up immediately after his rescue from the clutches of his abductors.

3. The successful rescue operations that caught the abductors by surprise is the fruit of an extensive intelligence build-up by the PNP and Philippine Navy.

4. Although follow-up operations are ongoing, this is a welcome development as the personnel involved here can augment other forces pursuing the abductors of other kidnap victims who were murdered in Basilan.