American charged for kidnapping own daughter

MANILA, Philippines - Former Abra congresswoman Cecilia Luna yesterday filed a case against her former American son-in-law and his Filipino friend for allegedly kidnapping her seven-year-old granddaughter in Quezon City Tuesday.

Luna said she received a report from the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group that Anthony Ricks and his daughter Ashley, 7, have sought refuge at the United States embassy yesterday.

Aided by his Filipino friend, Ricks managed to slip into the School of the Holy Spirit, in BF Homes, Barangay Holy Spirit at 7 a.m. and forcibly took his daughter.

Quezon City Police District deputy director for operations Senior Superintendent Joel Pagdilao said Assistant City Prosecutor Pedro Tresvalles found probable cause to indict Rick’s companion, Guilermo Jorge Garcia, who was arrested following the incident.

No bail was recommended for Garcia.

The kidnapping complaint against him Ricks will be subjected to preliminary investigation.

The American was married with Luna’s daughter Rochelle but the latter divorced him.