Traders cautioned against kidnappers

From the Manila Standard Today (Nov 1): Traders cautioned against kidnappers

Cotabato City — Police here have appealed to businessmen to take precautionary measures amid resurgence of kidnapping cases.

Senior Supt. Rolen Balquin, city police director, said the police and the Philippine Marines have prepared security plans to prevent a repeat of the abduction of Indian businessman Mike Khemani Tuesday night.

“Please take steps to avoid getting kidnapped,” Balquin said, adding that manhunt is still ongoing against Khemani’s abductors.

Cotabato City Mayor Japal Guiani also admitted that the kidnapping of Khemani has tainted the image of the city which for the last three years have been kidnapping-free.

Guiani said he has already coordinated with the Moro Islamic Liberation Front (MILF) to help in the rescue of Khemani, owner of Sugni Superstores in Cotabato and in North Cotabato.

Guiani said the MILF’s help is necessary since the victim, who was taken in front of his store along Bonifacio Street, was believed brought to Kabuntalan, Maguindanao where the MILF operates.

Khemani has been a long time trader in the city and very active in civic organizations like Rotary Club, among others.

No one has claimed responsibility for the abduction and no ransom demand has been raised so far.

Balquin said the case is still abduction and not kidnapping for ransom.

Guiani appealed to traders to always alert the police with suspicious men near their homes or business establishments.

He also urged the business community to put up CCTV cameras as a deterrent against abduction.

http://manilastandardtoday.com/2013/11/01/traders-cautioned-against-kidnappers/