Trader kidnapped in Batangas

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna — A Filipino-Chinese businessman was kidnapped in Batangas Monday night by still unidentified men, police officials confirmed yesterday.

Police said businessman Chan Lin Loy, 37, alias Joseph Chan, owner of SJC General Merchandise, was believed abducted by unidentified persons at around 7:45 p.m. Monday near the warehouse he was renting at Hillside Subdivision at Barangay San Roque in Rosario town.

One of Chan’s employees, Edgardo Gonzales, said Chan had just left the warehouse on board his scooter. Minutes later, his scooter was found lying on its side, with the engine still running, on the roadside near the warehouse.

Chan’s wife Jovi later received a call from her husband’s cellphone and an unidentified man demanded that she pay ransom for her husband, but she refused to divulge how much the kidnappers wanted.

She said she was certain her husband was still alive because she was also able to speak with him.

The announcement of Chan’s kidnapping came a day after authorities rescued three female kidnapping victims, including the daughter of a wealthy car dealer, in Davao del Sur.

Government forces stormed yesterday a kidnappers’ lair, rescued the three women and arrested 16 suspected kidnappers, who initially demanded P5 million for the release of the victims but no ransom was paid.