CAMP RAFAEL C. RODRIGUEZ, Butuan City – The Police Regional Office-13 on Friday, March 24, debunked reports that six missionaries were kidnapped in Surigao del Sur.
Social media posts and text messages had earlier claimed that six missionaries of Wycliffe Bible Translators, including a foreigner, were abducted while transiting the province on Thursday, March 23.
PRO-13 launched an operation and coordinated with the 75th and 36th Infantry Battalions of the Philippine Army, force multipliers, and local officials to verify the claim.
Police found out there was no such incident.
“There was no kidnapping incident,” the PRO-13 said.
“All six missionaries were having an outreach program in Barangay Bagyang, San Miguel, Surigao del Sur until April 14, 2023,” it added.
“There is no foreign national among the group of missionaries, who are all safe and sound.”
The PRO-13 appealed to the public to refrain from sharing unverified reports that may sow panic or create fear, especially if this has not been validated by the Philippine National Police and other law enforcement agencies.
“Instead of sending out wrong information, please help us monitor the presence of suspicious persons or commission of crimes/illegal activities for swift police response,” said PRO-13.