(CNN Philippines) — Police are exerting all efforts to rescue Naga municipal Mayor Gemma Adana, less than 24 hours after she was abducted by a group of armed men Monday night (April 6).
In a statement released Tuesday (April 7), Interior Secretary Manuel Roxas II said police are now coordinating with the military and other law enforcement authorities “to determine the whereabouts of the mayor” and rescue her safely.
“Nakikiisa kami sa pamilya’t kaibigan ni Mayor Gemma sa panahong ito at umaasa na ligtas siya,” Roxas added.
According to reports, Adana was with her friends when five suspects armed with short firearms barged in her residence in Taytay Manubo in Naga and forcibly took her. The suspects then sped off with the victim onboard two motorized bancas.
Related: Town mayor kidnapped from home in Zamboanga Sibugay
Roxas said the provincial government of Zamboanga Sibugay will convene its crisis management committee today to address the issue.
He also urged local government units (LGUs) in the surrounding areas to be on alert for the kidnap group.
