Snatched Masbate b’gay head rescued

MASBATE CITY — Police have rescued a barangay chairwoman who was snatched by five armed men after she rejected their demand for her not to vote for an aspirant for the chairmanship of this city’s Association of Barangay Captains (ABC).

Chief Superintendent Rodolfo Tor, Bicol police director, said barangay chairwoman Rosita Verano was seized by the group led by a certain Marlon Rapsing after she declined their offer of P30,000 for her not to vote for Elpidio Valencia, chairman of Barangay Tugbo, for the top ABC post.

Verano was taken at gunpoint and dragged to a motorized banca. But residents promptly informed police about the incident, and the law enforcers gave chase, rescuing Verano after six hours. — Celso Amo