Kidnappings alarm GenSan

From Tempo (Oct 14): Kidnappings alarm GenSan

GENERAL SANTOS CITY – Authorities have expressed alarm over the reported kidnapping of two local traders here, one of whom was killed after paying a P25-million ransom to kidnap gang members. An official of the police’s Anti-Kidnapping Group, who asked not to be named, said a wealthy Chinese businesswoman here was reported abducted last month in which a few days later her dead body was recovered in Lanao del Sur.

The source said the victim was set up into a land deal wherein she was brought to Cotabato City for the negotiation and was reportedly held by kidnap gang members allegedly belonging to Bangsamoro Islamic Freedom Fighters.

The kidnappers reportedly asked for R25 million from the victim’s family who owns a trucking services here.

Despite the ransom payment, the source said the kidnappers killed the victim whose remains were immediately cremated after her body was recovered by the family in Lanao del Sur.

Last week, a local businessman here, who owns a rent-a-car services, was freed by his abductors after paying some P500,000 ransom.

Elpidio Patugan, 61, was freed in Guindulungan, Maguindanao after he was held hostage by his abductors for 20 days.

Supt. Rolly Octavio, deputy city police director, said the victim was first reported missing by relatives.

He said the victim was set up by kidnap gang members who requested him to rent his car going to Cotabato City.

http://www.tempo.com.ph/2014/10/kidnappings-alarm-gensan/#.VD0QwMZ0yAI