Fil-Chinese Businessman's Kidnapping: Police already have identity of suspects

CEBU, Philippines - The Police Regional Office (PRO-7) yesterday said it has already identified the suspects in the kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese businessman who was abducted in Negros Occidental on March 5 and was rescued five days later in Toledo City, Cebu.

Sr. Supt. Melvin Buenafe, chief of Regional Intelligence Division, said they immediately alerted their men especially to watch the port of Toledo City after hearing of reports on the abduction.

Jordan Oliver Chua, 26, was abducted in Bago City, Negros Occidental last March 5 and have been rescued on March 10 at 2 a.m in Toledo City port.

Buenafe said the suspects may have got alarmed when they reached the port together with the victim after they got information that the police are already waiting for their arrival. Because of that, they went back to the ship and left the victim in the port.

The police official did not say if there was ransom money paid, saying it is no longer important as what matters is that the victim is safe and alive.

However, Buenafe said they will conduct further investigation to look for every detail that may possibly lead to the location and arrest of the suspects.

He said they have already identified the suspects but refused to name them yet pending further investigation and confirmation. But he said the suspects may still be hiding in Cebu.

Buenafe said Chua is already safe together with his family and relatives.

It was earlier reported that Chua was abducted while biking with three other companions in Purok Michelle, Barangay Dulao in Bago City by four unidentified persons using a silver gray Toyota Grandia with no plate number.

His companion, Joel Arroyo, 41, was shot to the left chest and is still recuperating at the Bacolod Adventist Medical Center. The two other bikers were unharmed.

Chua is also allegedly into buying and selling of luxury cars, leading police to speculate that the abduction might be connected with his business dealings.

The victim’s family is also involved in fishing business in Zamboanga City. — Gabriel C. Bonjoc/WAB(FREEMAN NEWS)