NBI issues sketch of Dacer abductor

One of the suspected kidnappers of missing public relations man Salvador "Bubby" Dacer stands about 5’ 6" tall, is medium built with brown complexion, and is between 30 to 36 years old.

The description is based on a sketch released by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday.

In Makati, former National Security Adviser Jose Almonte said the other day Dacer’s alleged kidnapping was just one of an alarming "pattern of disappearances" during President Estrada’s administration.

Speaking at the 11th anniversary celebration of the Rebolusyonaryong Alyansang Makabansa (RAM), Almonte said Dacer was abducted just as the Senate was starting to hear the impeachment trial of the Chief Executive.

"There are many hypotheses on Dacer’s disappearance," he said. "We should allow the police to investigate. (But) there is no doubt that Dacer disappeared under this administration. That is a fact. Given the circumstances of Dacer’s disappearance, it is very, very disturbing to the nation."

The STAR received unconfirmed reports that Dacer’s kidnappers wanted to prevent him from hurling another bombshell against the President.

Police sources said the kidnappers took from Dacer documents that would be "relevant" in Mr. Estrada’s impeachment trial, which begins on Thursday.

One of two witnesses gave the description to NBI artists after they saw five men abduct Dacer and his driver, Manuel Corbito, at Zobel Roxas street and Sergio Osmeña Avenue (formerly South Superhighway) in Manila shortly before noon last Nov. 24.

Lawyer Samuel Ong, chief of the NBI in Metro Manila, told reporters the witness saw the suspect alight from one of the three cars that blocked Dacer’s vehicle.

"Our witness was face-to-face with the suspect whom he saw alight from one of the back up vehicles and transferred to the lead car where Corbito was transferred to," he said.

Ong said two witnesses told NBI investigators Corbito was forced into the lead car by a man armed with an Armalite rifle and wearing a policeman’s upper uniform and faded jeans.

Dacer was joined inside his car by the Armalite-wielding man and three other suspects who were armed with pistols, Ong quoted the witness as saying.

Ong said Dacer’s kidnapping was "well-planned and done with precision," but he refused to say whether the suspects could be policemen or soldiers.

"The operation was all over in just one minute," he said. "It was done with precision. However, we are not saying that the police were involved (in the abduction)."

Ong said he had ordered his men to "exhaust all possible angles," in trying to solve the case, including any collusion between Corbito and the kidnappers.

"I told them to exhaust all possibilities and not to limit themselves to just a few angles," he said.

Ong’s men scoured Southern Tagalog following reports that Dacer and Corbito have been sighted in several provinces in the region.

Acting NBI Director Carlos Caabay has instructed the NBI’s divisions and units nationwide to help Ong’s men solve Dacer’s mysterious disappearance.

Dacer was heading towards his office at the Manila Hotel for a meeting with former President Fidel Ramos when his vehicle was blocked and sandwiched by three cars.

Police found Dacer’s vehicle ditched in a ravine in Maragondon, Cavitel ast Monday.