KFR involvement in bizman's abduction ruled out
Police Regional Office 6 director, Chief Supt. Isagani Cuevas ruled out the involvement of kidnap for ransom (KFR) groups in the abduction of a businessman in Antique last week.
Although Cuevas admitted that the group behind the incident is not yet known, he ruled out the involvement of groups engaged in kidnapping for ransom, noting there has been no demand for ransom for the release of James Ardaña.
The group behind the incident is not yet known, but the motive behind it is ‘probably personal grudges,’ Cuevas said, ruling out KFR involvement.
Ardaña was with his brother June, and were on their way home when a group of men blocked them at Brgy. Odiong, Sibalom town in Antique late evening Thursday last week.
The armed men forced the victim out of his vehicle and into a waiting motorcycle and fled towards an unknown direction. But before fleeing, the men hogtied the victim’s brother and left him beside the road.
A mediaman passing by the area and saw the victim’s brother, untied him, and reported the incident to the police.
After the incident, the abductors reportedly texted the victim’s wife and told the latter that her husband is alive and well, and to wait for further instructions.
Cuevas said that police investigators have leads already.
Police in Antique are also looking at a possible ‘kidnap me’ scenario, as the victim is said to be facing a rape charge.
Cuevas said that he has assigned his personnel to follow up the case.
“The trader is still alive,” he stressed, adding that they have an idea of where Ardaña is kept, but begged off from disclosing the victim’s location so as not to prejudice police operations.