Cavite businessman accused of kidnapping

A businessman was arrested by agents of the National Bureau of Investigation for allegedly kidnapping a three-day-old boy and demanding P500,000 for his safe release.

The NBI identified the suspect as Antonio Batingcor, 43, of 5 Campos Street, Phase 9, Bahayan Pag-asa Subdivision, Imus, Cavite.

Investigation conducted by the NBI’s National Capital Region said that on July 27, complainant Felnie Dormiendo gave birth to a baby boy at the Ospital ng Maynila.

After they were discharged from the hospital on the same day, mother and son went home to Imus, Cavite. The NBI said, the baby was entrusted by Dormiendo to the suspect.

The following day, the child’s father went to the suspect to fetch his child. But the suspect allegedly refused to return the baby and demanded P500,000 for the baby’s release. It was here that the couple sought the NBI’s help.

Acting on the complaint, NBI-NCR agents proceeded to Imus, Cavite and coordinated with the NBI-Cavite District Office and the local police. They went to the suspect’s residence but were denied entry, although, Agustin, the suspect’s brother, tried to convince his brother to return the child.

At 9 p.m. last July 29, the suspect arrived at the NBI-NCR office with the baby. He alleged that he and the complainants had a prior agreement to adopt the infant, as he shouldered the hospitalization fees and other expenses.

Batingcor was arrested and slapped with kidnapping charges in the Department of Justice by the NBI. – Mike Frialde