Kidnap victim’s father extremely happy for the safe recovery of his son

From the Philippine Information Agency (Feb 12): Kidnap victim’s father extremely happy for the safe recovery of his son

The father of a 3-year-old kidnap victim was very happy that his son was finally released after being held captive for about 11 months, allegedly by the Abu Sayaff terror group.

JayJay V. Garban, Punong Barangay of Poblacion, Pitogo in an exclusive interview over RMN-DXPR radio station said that he was extremely happy and thankful that his son was turned over to him by the Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) on Sunday afternoon, February 7 in Zamboanga City.

“Dako kaayo akong kalipay nga nahibalik ang akong anak. Wala gyud ko magdahum nga makabalik siya nga buhi ug luwas tungod anaa siya sa mga kamot sa kidnappers sa dugay na nga panahon,” Garban reported.

(I am very happy that my son has returned. I did not expect that he will come back alive and safe because he was in the hands of kidnappers for a long time.)

Garban thanked the AFP through Brigadier General Alan Arrojado, commander of the Joint Task Group Sulu, the Philippine National Police, Department of Social Welfare and Development, and all government agencies who helped in the recovery of the victim.

Ace Jay, his two-year-old sister Zynielle Jay and 17-year-old bakery worker, Ladegie Tomarong were kidnapped on April 1 of last year. Zynielle Jay was strangled to death and thrown into the sea, while Ladegie was able to escape unharmed.

Garban said his son who was reportedly wandering in the streets of Indanan, Sulu and was spotted by a concerned citizen who immediately reported to the authorities.

Ace Jay was physically unharmed but traumatized after the kidnapping ordeal. He was brought to the hospital for medical examination.

“Motutok lang siya sa akoa ug masulub-on. (He just stares at me and is lonely),”Garban reported.  

“Dili siya motubag kung pangutan-on tungod kay ang pinulungan nga iyang nahibaloan pinulungan na man sa Tausog (He will not answer if asked because the dialect that he learned was Tausog),” he added.

Garban said Ace Jay remembers nothing about being separated from his family. “But I am hoping that with time, old photos and several toys that belonged to him  will keep back his memory,” he said positively.

http://news.pia.gov.ph/article/view/1371455160500/kidnap-victim-s-father-extremely-happy-for-the-safe-recovery-of-his-son