Rebels abduct police officer in NorthCot

From MindaNews (Dec 29): Rebels abduct police officer in NorthCot

Suspected communist guerillas abducted on Thursday the deputy chief of police of the municipality of President Roxas in North Cotabato.

Chief Insp. Andres Sumugat, municipal police chief of President Roxas, has confirmed the kidnapping of his deputy, Insp. Menardo Cui Sr., while inside HMB KTV Bar and Lodging House located along the boundary of Barangays Tuael and Poblacion in President Roxas, around 8:30 p.m.

Cui, at that time, was off duty, according to Sumugat.

Accordingly, the victim, together with a male friend and two female workers of the KTV bar, was having a videoke and drinking session when two armed men, who were sighted in one of the cottages inside, entered their area.

Immediately, the suspects allegedly pointed their guns on Cui and ordered him to board a motorcycle parked just outside the inn.

Jensan Nacua, bar employee, told police that he monitored at least two motorbikes, one a Honda Wave and another a Suzuki, a few meters away from where Cui was located.

The suspects, with Cui as hostage, sped towards the hinterlands of Magpet town in North Cotabato, reports said.

Sumugat said he was surprised to learn about Cui’s situation and could not understand why it happened to him.

“Earlier, we already received orders and directives from the higher authorities to take extra precaution from possible attacks and harassments to be perpetrated by the NPA [New People’s Army] and other threat groups,” said Sumugat.

Cui is the second police officer the NPA abducted in 2017.

In June 14, communist guerillas operating in Cotabato and Bukidnon areas snatched PO1 1 Bristol Catalan of the Makilala PNP at Barangay Katipunan, this city.

He was released almost five months later in Magpet town, also in North Cotabato.

As of this writing, the NPA has not released yet any statement as regards Cui’s abduction.

http://www.mindanews.com/top-stories/2017/12/rebels-abduct-police-officer-in-northcot/