Kidnapped trader freed

A kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) gang has released unharmed the owner of a big hardware and auto supply store whom they snatched while on the way to his store on board a scooter more than a week ago. The victim’s family would not admit it but a P5-million ransom, sources said, allegedly paved the way for his freedom.

Superintendent Dionicio Borromeo, Station Investigation and Detection Management Bureau (SIDMB) chief, said his abductors released near their residence in Morning Breeze Subdivision Jefferson Tan Lim, 29, of the Ever Gold Hardware and Auto Supply along EDSA in Caloocan City last October 4 yet.

The release, notwithstanding, Borromeo would not categorically say the incident was more than an abduction and was in fact a kidnapping. He said it could not be confirmed whether Lim’s abductors demanded any ransom. But ranking officials said the victim’s release could only mean that money has changed hands. Borromeo said the victim’s family refused to divulge any further information for security reasons.

"Pilit naming inaalam ang sitwasyon sa paglaya ni Lim, pero mahigpit ang pamilya. Ayaw magbigay ng anumang detalye pero kumpirmadong pinalaya na (Lim) ng mga dumukot," Borromeo said.

Police sources said the family decided to keep to themselves and not to inform the police on the negotiations to spare them of any further "trouble" and to ensure the maximum safety of the victim.

Lim was waylaid by at least five armed men as he drove his scooter to his store in Morning Breeze Subdivision along EDSA last Sept. 27 at around 7:45 a.m. He was shoved into a blue Isuzu Hilander (XPP 124) and was allegedly backed up in a convoy by a Toyota Revo (XAP- 124) towards Manila.