Rizal mayoral bet seized

Four ski mask-wearing armed men abducted a mayoralty candidate in Baras, Rizal while he was on his way home after attending a political rally last Thursday, police said.

Senior Superintendent Leocadio Santiago, Rizal police director, cited reports that Ulysses Olano, 46, mayoral bet of the Liberal Party, and his supporters were on their way home after attending a campaign sortie when their gray Ford Ranger was blocked by armed men who were on board an unlicensed blue Mitsubishi Lancer along the Marcos Highway in Sitio Palo in Barangay Pinugay at about 6 p.m.

Brandishing high-powered firearms, the kidnappers ordered Olano to transfer to their vehicle and grabbed his bag containing P700,000.

Before fleeing, the kidnappers warned Olano’s supporters not to report the incident to the police nor follow their vehicle, or else something untoward might befall the mayoral candidate.

Santiago said it was not yet unclear if politics had something to do with Olano’s abduction.

"We are still investigating the incident," he said.