Kidnapped Quezon executive freed

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna , Philippines  – The vice mayor of a Quezon town who was reported to have been seriously wounded in a shooting incident last month, was released by his kidnappers in Lipa City, Batangas last April 9, authorities said.

Chief Superintendent Rolando Añonuevo, Calabarzon police director, said Vice Mayor Apolinar Roperez Martinez, 57, of Pagbilao town, who is running for mayor in the May polls, was found by his family alone in the Our Lady of Mount Carmel Church in Lipa City.

Añonuevo said Martinez was kidnapped while on his early morning jogging within the vicinity of the Alaminos Heights Subdivision in Alaminos, Laguna last April 8.

Police said no ransom was paid for Martinez’s release, as he was reportedly able to convince his kidnappers that he is a good person.

Last month, Martinez was wounded in an ambush along the diversion road in Lucena City. Although hit in the lower right abdomen, he managed to escape and seek police help.