The police yesterday dismissed the abduction incident in Silay City, as well as the reported failed kidnapping in Manapla, all in Negros Occidental, as isolated cases.
P/Lt. Judesses Catalogo, spokesperson of the Negros Occidental Police Provincial Office, said he believes that the two incidents were perpetrated by different suspects, as he ruled out that an organized crime group was behind these, as of this time.
The decomposing body of a victim, who was reportedly abducted outside of the Bacolod-Silay Airport in Brgy. Bagtic, Silay City on July 21, was found buried in a shallow grave July 31 in Purok Katilingban, Brgy. Vista Alegre, Bacolod City.
The victim, 51-year-old Alex Soberano, was identified by his family, according to the Police Station 7.
He was previously detained for violation of Republic Act 9165, or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002. His body bore an “HGL” tattoo on his right forearm.
Based on the testimony of his son, Soberano was forcibly taken into a van upon arrival from Manila, the police said.
Also on July 31, a businessman, identified as William Chua Jr., reported to the police that he was able to escape from his abductors, who intercepted him at Gallo Street in Brgy. Manapla, Negros Occidental, while he was on his way home.
Chua told the Manapla police that he was waylaid, handcuffed, and was forced to board a black Sports Utility Vehicle van by about five unidentified persons. The suspects were wearing bonnets, he said.
The victim said he managed to escape and report the incident to the Manapla Police Station./GB
