A teachers' coalition expressed alarm over the recent kidnapping of three teachers in a town in Zamboanga Sibugay last Friday.

"This is a very alarming situation for us. These lawless elements should spare the teachers of their criminal activities," said Benjo Basas, national chairperson of the Teachers' Dignity Coalition (TDC).

Grade school teachers Jocelyn Enriquez, 42, Jocelyn Inion, 39, and Noime Mandi, 39 were seized by unidentified gunmen.

Police said the three, along with co-teacher Arquiza Jumanwan Yusop, were attending their duties at Bangkaw-Bangkaw Elementary School in the municipality of Naga when snatched around 4 p.m.

The suspects were onboard a boat and pursued the teachers' banca about a kilometer from shore. The teacher’s boat driver jumped overboard out of fear.

Yusop said the suspects took control of the banca and ordered the teachers to transfer to their boat. The suspects did not take Yusop with them. One of the abductors said that the Muslim teacher will be spared.

Authorities have formed Task Force Bangkaw to investigate the incident.

"Let us not forget that there are innocent victims of these bandits still in captivity in jungles of Mindanao--the ICRC volunteers, the Sri Lankan peace advocates and another group of teachers from Zamboanga City. Is the government really incapable to address this issue?" said Basas.

TDC said that the kidnapping incident involving teachers is the second recorded for this year. Last January 23, teachers Rachel Mayorada, Freires Quizon and Janette Delos Reyes were intercepted and kidnapped while on their way to work. They were allegedly taken to a nearby Basilan town. The three are teachers of Landang-gua Elementary School.

The group added that the Department of Education (DepEd) denounced the abductions and has appealed to the kidnappers for the safe and immediate release of the teachers.

Last week, Davao City teacher Rebelyn Pitao was abducted, raped and murdered. Pitao is the daughter of rebel leader Leonardo Pitao, alias Kumander Parago of the New Peoples Army.

"This issue involving the kidnapped teachers and how the government has so far responded presents how the government appreciates its teachers," Basas said.

On March 18, the group is set to gather at the DepEd office in Pasig City to tackle the spate of kidnappings and other issues involving teachers.