‘Kidnap’ Marine charged

Charges of frustrated kidnapping and physical injuries were filed yesterday against an active member of the Philippine Marines who allegedly tried to abduct a woman at a mall parking lot in Muntinlupa City last Friday.

Superintendent Demetrio Pagaduan, commander of Police Precinct 2, confirmed there was ample ground and evidence to file the charges against Pvt. Ernesto Cajucom, 25, who allegedly tried to snatch Kristine Gan as she alighted from her vehicle at the parking area of the Alabang Town Center at 3 p.m.

Gan, 28, claimed that Cajucom also tried to take her brand new Mitsubishi Pajero, but police said they have yet to establish valid evidence for the allegation.

According to a police report, Gan had just alighted from her vehicle when the suspect grabbed her. The victim resisted and shouted for help, prompting Cajucom to strangle her and hit her in the mouth.

Mall security guard Godofredo Laresca heard the cries for help and arrested the suspect.

Gan is still confined at the Asian Hospital and could not be interviewed by police since she is still in shock. She suffered bruises on her arms and neck and cuts in the mouth.

Cajucom denied the charges when he was presented yesterday to Chief Superintendent Wilfredo Garcia at the headquarters of the Southern Police District in Taguig.

Pagaduan earlier said that only physical injury charges would be filed against the suspect because they have yet to assess the statement of the victim and witnesses, which were not yet available the other night. — Edu Punay