CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines – Two kidnapped adopted sons of a television commercial producer were rescued and two suspects were arrested in Antipolo City, Rizal on Thursday morning, police said.
Chief Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo, Calabarzon police director, said the suspects, Bernard Lituañas, 26, live-in male partner of TV commercial producer Romeo Joven, and a certain Rex Alvarez were arrested by combined elements of the Tagaytay and Antipolo City police in Barangay San Isidro, Bagong Nayon, Antipolo City at around 8 a.m. Thursday.
Police rescued Joven’s adopted sons aged two and eight months, and recovered the getaway vehicle, a Nissan X-Trail, belonging to Joven.
Investigation showed that the suspects went to Joven’s residence at a subdivision in Tagaytay City, Cavite Thursday morning.
Senior Superintendent Primitivo Tabujara, Cavite provincial director, said Lituañas confronted Joven and demanded P200,000.
Tabujara, however, said Joven refused to give the money, upon which Lituañas and Alvarez grabbed the two children and brought them to the car and left.
Joven immediately sought help from a police community precinct at the Tagaytay City market, and a rescue operation was laid out.
Charges of kidnapping and car theft are being readied against the suspects.