CAMP SIMEON OLA, LEGAZPI CITY—A kidnapping case involving a 14 year-old boy from barangay Malaya, Labo, Camarines Norte was officially turned over to the Anti-Kidnapping Task Group of the Philippine National Police (PNP) in Camp Crame, Quezon City after parents of the victim had received a ransom demand in the amount of P60 million.
PNP regional office spokesperson Police Insp. Malou Calubaquid said the case was secretly being handled by the police because the victim has remained in the custody of the kidnappers since Sept.20 this year.
According to the PNP spokesperson, the kidnapping case was only posted officially in the police record on October 14 when retired army 2nd Lt. Josue Manlangit Tuibeo Jr. reported that his son, Josue Samson Tuibeo III, was kidnapped.
Allegedly, the kidnappers have contacted the parents of the boy by cellphone on the evening of Sept. 25, and demanded Php.60-million for the release of their son.
A case conference took place last Oct. 14, attended by the PNP Provincial Police Office, Labo PNP Chief, Police Insp. Emir Joseph Valeros and a certain Jeffrey Fernendez, a negotiator.
Calubaquid also said the kidnapping of the boy was suspected to have stemmed from a gold-mining rivalry involving by Tuibeo Jr. and other alleged business partners. (SONNY SALES)