“Kidnapped” girl rescued in Toledo

CEBU, Philippines - The girl who was believed to have been kidnapped in Balamban town last Sunday was rescued in Toledo City and is now in the custody of her parents.

Rachel (real name withheld), 11, was rescued from her alleged abductor, 79-year-old Cesar Mahinay.

PO1 Alfredo De Gracia of Balamban Police Station said that along with the victim’s father, Jun, 41, they rode on a patrol car and went searching for the girl until they found her playing outside a house in Barangay Dumlog, Toledo City, at 10 am yesterday.

The house is reportedly owned by one of Mahinay’s children.

Mahinay, who went to visit a cousin in Barangay Baliwagan last Sunday, allegedly spotted siblings Rachel and James, eight, caroling from one house to another.

Mahinay, who resides in Barangay Arpili, Balamban, and works as a farmer, allegedly took pity on the two children and approached them.

“Nalooy kuno siya kay mga bulingit so nakahunahuna siya na dalhon sa ila ug sagupon. Sayop lang jud kay wa siya managhid sa ginikanan, (He said he pitied the two children because they were unkempt so he brought them home to adopt them. His mistake is his failure to ask the parents’ permission)”, De Gracia said.

The suspect went with the police and will be released today should the parents decide not to file a case against him.

“Malooy man sad kuno sila sa tiguwang,(The parents also pity the old man)”, De Gracia added.

The police officer said they are still investigating if the incident would fall under the crime of kidnapping.

The siblings, who are residents of Barangay Cantuod, were caroling along Barangay Baliwagan last Sunday afternoon when the old man approached and convinced them to go with him to Toledo where they can reportedly earn more money for caroling.

When they arrived in Barangay Buanoy, James was given P20 and made to go home first while the suspect took Rachel with him.

Rachel, is a Grade 3 student of Cantuod Elementary School and third among 10 siblings, De Gracia said. –(FREEMAN)