Nursing student kidnapped, but released two hours later

The kidnapping and immediate release of the son of a Cebuano businessman early yesterday morning is a puzzle that the Cebu City Police are now trying to solve.

Criminal Investigation and Intelligence Branch chief Supt. Paul Labra II identified the victim as Roberto Philip Urgello, 20, single, of Maria Luisa Estate Park, barangay Banilad. Urgello is a senior nursing student of a local university.

Urgello reportedly asked assistance from Labra when he was released by his abductors two hours after they forcibly took him outside the premises of a hospital.

No ransom money was given to his abductors.

Based on the initial investigation, it was learned that at around 6:40 a.m., Urgello went to a private hospital to meet his classmates.

Upon arrival at the hospital, two persons reportedly met Urgello telling him to go with them. They said that Urgello's classmates were waiting for him inside another vehicle.

When the victim refused to go with the tow men, he was dragged to a waiting vehicle while one of the abductors pointed a gun at him. When inside the vehicle, Urgello was blindfolded.

He said that one of the abductors directed the driver to bring them to what he believed is their safehouse.

The victim related that while at the safehouse, the abductors listened to the radio where a report of the abduction was being aired.

It was at this point when he heard one of the abductors say in Cebuano, "buhian nalang na."

He was then brought to a waiting vehicle by his abductors and then after a few minutes was directed to disembark.

He boarded a taxi and directed the driver to bring him to a local hospital. Upon arrival at the hospital, he was informed that his vehicle was already brought to the CCPO headquarters at Camp Sotero Cabahug.

Urgello told Labra that his abductors provide him a shortpants.

Witnesses described the abductors to be young looking.

"Mga batan-on sila unya nagbarog sa duol sa sakyanan ug ingon sa adunay gipaabot," Labra quoted one of the witnesses.

Labra said that all police units were immediately alerted when the incident was reported.

Labra told reporters that Urgello informed him that no ransom money demanded by his abductors.

However, Labra admitted that they will conduct further investigation and determine the real motive.

He said that they are now conducting background check of the victim and even their family.

They also invited Urgello's classmates to help shed light on the incident.

"Dili pa gayud ta karon makasulti kon unsa gyud ang tumong sa mga mi kidnap ni Urgello," Labra said.

He said Urgello has been very cooperative in their investigation.

At Cebu City Hall, Mayor Tomas Osmeña is offering P500,000 for anybody who could give information leading to the capture of the kidnappers.

Asked where to get the money for the reward, Osmeña said, "I'll find the money. We have to move fast and we have to find them (kidnapper) now."

Osmeña, however, downplayed reports that the kidnapping incident would affect the incoming ASEAN Summit this December, which Cebu will host the event.

The mayor said the gun-for-hire or kidnapper syndicates planned their activity while terrorists don't make plans as long as they can execute their main targets. - Jose P. Sollano with Garry B. Lao