The Alliance of Concerned Teachers today picketed the office of the Department of the Interior and Local Government in Quezon City this morning to call for swift government action to secure the release of three kidnapped public school teachers.

The three, Noemi Navales Mandi, 38, Jocelyn Inion, 39, and Jocelyn Enriquez, 43, all teachers of Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in Zamboanga Sibugay, were abducted by armed men last March 13. Their captors are demanding a ransom of Php 6 million for their release.

“We denounce the kidnappers for abducting and continuing to hold captive the three teachers. We urge them to consider their plight as well as the welfare of the hundreds of school children served by the teachers. They should be release immediately,” said ACT national chairperson Antonio Tinio.

ACT called on DILG Secretary Ronaldo Puno to redouble efforts to secure the release of the teachers. “Today is the 87th day of captivity of the Zamboanga Sibugay teachers. We call on Sec. Puno to give the public regular updates on government’s efforts to free our fellow teachers,” said Tinio.

He also voiced concern that government has not adopted any measures to ensure the safety of teachers serving in remote and dangerous areas. “Government should provide teachers in such situations with free transportation and adequate police protection.”

Last Tuesday, another group of three teachers from Zamboanga City, was freed by their abductors after being held hostage for four months. #