The suspect, Francisco Mendido Jr., of San Nicolas, Gapan, Nueva Ecija was presented before the media yesterday by National Capital Regional Police Office chief Director Ricardo de Leon at the NCRPO satellite office in Kamuning, Quezon City.
In the same briefing, the boy was reunited with his parents.
De Leon commended Superintendent Manolito Labador, director of the Central District Traffic Enforcement Group (CDTEG) and Inspector Alejandrito Tablazon, of the anti-carnapping group, for the arrest of Mendido.
According to De Leon, Mendido abducted the boy two months ago at the Farmers Market in Cubao, Quezon City. He then used the boy while begging for alms from motorists at street intersections in Manila during the Christmas holidays.
The boy’s parents reported the incident to the police and a flash alarm was dispatched to all traffic policemen in Quezon City and the description of Mendido was given.
For a month, De Leon said Mendido used the boy while begging to gain more sympathy.
Policemen led by Tablazon spotted and arrested him inside a house in Manila last Tuesday. He led Tablazon to the boy. — Non Alquitran