A CRIMINAL case has been filed before the Provincial Prosecutor’s Office against more than 10 people tagged in the kidnapping of a private sector employee in Zamboanga Sibugay, a top police official announced Tuesday, April 17.

Chief Superintendent Edwin De Ocampo, deputy regional director for administration, said those charged for kidnapping and serious illegal detention were Salahodin Esmael, Akmad Manguda, Al Muag, Kiang Balimbingan, Anwar Ansang, Jay-ar Palada, Al Jalil Sanday, Uya Dama Munagen, and several John Does.

De Ocampo said the suspects were tagged in the April 3 kidnapping of Laarni Buen, secretary of the Cebeles Marine Product firm in Malangas town.

Buen, 38, was seized by gunmen believed to be kidnap-for-ransom-group members in Purok Maabiabihon in Poblacion, Malangas.

He said Esmael was arrested by the Special Investigation Task Group Laarni while the rest of the accused are at large. (Bong Garcia/SunStar Philippines)