Tsinoy trader abducted in Malabon

A Filipino-Chinese construction supply trader was abducted yesterday morning in front of his store in Malabon by six gunmen, described to be "clean-cut, office-boy-types."

Superintendent Pete Ramos, Malabon police chief, identified the victim as William Uy, 45, married, a Binondo resident, and owner of the Kaunlaran Construction Supply along Lapu-Lapu Avenue corner Martiniko street in Barangay Longos, Malabon City.

The suspects, who fled after the abduction which took no more than five minutes, were described by witnesses as "clean-cut" and wearing beige or khaki shirts and black slacks, 5’8" or 5’9" tall, well-built and good-looking, about 35 to 40-years-old.

"By the way they looked, no one would have suspected them to be criminals. They looked like decent office boys," a witness told probers.

Initial investigation revealed that the incident took place at around 7 a.m. as the victim arrived on board his white Nissan Frontier (YWU-888) in front of his store.

As Uy alighted, the suspects, who apparently knew of his routine and had waited in ambush, approached him and at gunpoint ordered him back inside his vehicle. The victim tried to resist, but one of the suspects fired one shot, warning him not to make any false moves.

Uy was shoved back into the vehicle, which the suspects commandeered, and headed south along Dagat-Dagatan Avenue.

Ramos said the motive for the abduction is still being determined. He said the victim’s family is cooperating in the best way they can even as they try to cope with the abduction.

He said the family fears for the safety of the victim and initially refused to give any details.

Ramos told The STAR they have not turned over the case to PNP Headquarters but have sought help of the Philippine Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER), which "has the professional expertise and training," to assist the victim’s family in coping with the incident.

Ramos said they are now looking into all evidence they gathered at the crime scene and have sought the cooperation of witnesses to come out and furnish the police with accurate data.

Uy’s family said they have not received any ransom demands from the abductors. A manhunt is being conducted by the local police follow up unit in coordination with other agencies for the early and safe rescue of the victim. – With Pete Laude