Monday, August 25, 2004 Suspects in workers' abduction hunted down By Jun Feliciano
POLICE vowed to arrest the remaining John Does in the alleged abduction of two construction workers early dawn of August 17 on Governor Camins Avenue.
Police Officer 1 Alex delos Reyes, investigating officer on the case, said they were on strict orders from Zamboanga City police director Mario Yanga to effect the arrest of the six remaining alleged culprits after kidnapping and illegal serious detention charges were filed against them in court.
The warrants of arrest were already issued by RTC Judge Jesus Carbon of branch 16, delos Reyes said.
Delos Reyes identified the arrested suspect as Rogelio Tempol, 21, single of Siay, Sibugay province, a helper of a hotel in Canelar, has already been committed to the Zamboanga City Reformatory Center. The case against them is non-bailable.
Tempol fell into the police hands when he was pinpointed by Dennis Bucoy, 25, of Triplett, this city, as one in the armed group that picked the duo Tuesday dawn, along Governor Camins and forced them inside a vehicle.
Bucoy's companion identified as Edwin Alfonso 35, married, also of Triplett remains missing up to the present, according to Delos Reyes.
The two were reportedly taken to a secluded bodega in Tumaga, where their abductors allegedly manhandled them. Bucoy managed to escape from their hidden place by destroying its small concrete window with a sledgehammer he found inside while Alfonso described as a huge fellow failed to slip out to freedom.
Based on their investigation, dela Cruz said the duo was suspected as thieves who were sighted roaming the vicinity of the hotel near Governor Camins at about 2 a.m.
"They were suspected of stealing from the promises of the hotel. That could be the reason why they were picked up," dela Cruz said.
The remaining suspects, including the alleged mastermind, have already been identified, but their whereabouts remain unknown.
However, dela Cruz said they remain optimistic that ultimately they will be arrested despite their reported strong influence in the community. He said a prominent lawyer is representing the suspects.
A police source earlier surmised that the duo would have been intended for possible salvaging (summary execution) as they reportedly earned the ire of their alleged mastermind for the reported losses in the hotel.
Bucoy is presently under the police custody for security reasons, according to delos Reyes.
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