This was the declaration of agents of the National Anti-Kidnapping Task Force (NAKTAF) in insisting yesterday that no ransom was paid for the freedom of Charmaine Ong, the only daughter of the owners of one of the country’s most profitable processed-meat companies.
Contradicting reports that the Ong family paid ransom to gain freedom for the 30-year-old-dermatologist, NAKTAF agents who requested not to be identified said, "The payment of ransom was far from possibility at the time."
"Even the family members were surprised when they got a call from Ong informing them of her escape," the NAKTAF agents said.
Around 10:30 a.m. on Saturday, Ong’s family members said they received a phone call from her, informing them of her escape from her kidnappers who snatched her Thursday at 7:15 p.m. outside her clinic in Marulas, Valenzuela City.
The same sources said Ong ignored the NAKTAF officials led by Task Force Luzon chief Superintendent Alan Purisima after a NAKTAF team went to fetch her at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church in San Fernando, Pampanga.
Even a small contingent of the Presidential Security Group (PSG) sent by Pampanga Vice Gov. Mikey Arroyo was snubbed by Ong.
Ong was so afraid of NAKTAF and PSG people because of her ordeal during her captivity, said a parish staff member who witnessed last Saturday’s reunion of Ong with her family.
"She lost her trust and confidence in police officers because of her tragic experience. She was confused," the sources said.
Ong suspects that her abductors may be linked with the police or military because of their high-powered firearms.
As NAKTAF officials remain silent on the current operations against her abductors, sources said the anti-kidnapping unit has zeroed in on the suspects and have pinpointed possible hideouts in Metro Manila and nearby areas.
Ong and family members still refuse to cooperate with police.
However, sources said Ong and her family were "very grateful" that she was safe. "They were all crying" when they were all reunited at the Our Lady of Sorrows Parish Church.
Their refusal to cooperate despite assurance of ample police protection is believed due to fear of reprisals from kidnappers. And NAKTAF agents have said this attitude may hamper attempts to bring the kidnappers to justice.
Ong is the only daughter of Ateneo biology professor Jose Ong and Corazon Dayro-Ong, a former dietitian at Manila Central University. They own Food Sphere Inc., the company that produces processed meat products under the CDO brand.
Ong was abducted last Thursday evening after she, her secretary and her driver, Mateo Cahilig, came out of her dermatology clinic in Valenzuela.