Kidnappers release woman, son

MANILA, Philippines - A woman and her two-year-old son, who were among four persons reportedly snatched by armed men in Muntinlupa City, have been released in Calamba City, Laguna, an official said yesterday.

Police called off the rescue operation for Cherry Rivera and her son Carlo John after receiving reports that the victims had been released and arrived home in Caloocan City, Laguna police director Senior Superintendent Florendo Saligao said.

“Rivera’s mother informed the police that her daughter and grandson had been released,” Saligao said.

Saligao ordered an investigation to determine the truth and the motive for the kidnapping.

He told The STAR that they found Rivera’s Toyota Vios (ALA-1169) abandoned on Camelray Road in Barangay Canlubang.

“We received information that the victims and their kidnappers were seen at a grassy area in Canlubang. Our officers responded to rescue them,” Saligao said.

Rivera and Carlo John, along with Racquel Apolonio and Robielyn Gresones, were snatched by three armed men in Muntinlupa City on Sunday.

The kidnappers released Apolonio and Gresones in Barangay Pulo, Cabuyao City.

Apolonio and Gresones told police that they were in Rivera’s car when the armed men blocked them along Putatan road at past 3 p.m.