Kidnappers call victim's family

THE kidnappers who are holding hostage a Zamboangueño businessman already established contact with the victim's family, a top police official said.

The call came after almost a week of the abduction of 42-year-old businessman Edgar Fabella.

Zamboanga Peninsula Police Director Juanito Vaño said it follows that when kidnappers call the victim’s family, ransom demand follows.

Fabella was seized by five gunmen in front of his residence around 7:30 p.m. last Friday in the village of Maasin, 13 kilometers west of the city.

He was forced to board on a motorized banca, which docked at the shore across his residence that sped towards Basilan.

The victim owns and manages a general merchandise store and eatery.

Vaño said the family refused to say whether there is already a ransom demand.

Meanwhile, Zamboanga City police officer-in-charge Senior Superintendent Edwin de Ocampo said they are verifying information concerning the captive's whereabouts.

De Ocampo heads the Task Force Edgar activated to find solution to the abduction of Fabella.