MANILA - A public school principal was reportedly abducted in a barangay in Sumisip, Basilan past 6 a.m. this morning. The provincial director of Basilan PNP Superintendent identified the principal as Benita Latino, 60 years old. She was assigned as principal at a local public school in Sumisip, Basilan for quite a few years now. It was said that the she was aboard a yellow Tamaraw jeep headed to Isabela City, Basilan when they were approached by armed men. Local authorities immediately proceeded in the area and conducted 'hot pursuit' operation, but failed to arrest the abductors. It was reported that the Abu Sayyaf group under the leadership of a certain Johaidel was allegedly behind the abduction. ---from a report by RJ Rosalado, ABS-CBN News