2 of Agusan kidnappers involved in past hostage crisis

MANILA, Philippines - Two of the latest hostage takers in Prosperidad, Agusan del Sur were part of the gang that was involved in another hostage crisis in December 2009 but the suspects – then minors – were not criminally charged.

Police are now preparing to file criminal charges against Manobo tribesmen who held hostage several school officials, teachers, a student and several residents for five days in Prosperidad.

Senior Superintendent Jerome Baxinella, Agusan del Sur police provincial director, confirmed that two of the hostage takers in Agusan del Sur last week were also involved in the hostage-taking incident in December 2009.

Baxinella said Ken-ken Perez and Rejoy Brital had been spared from charges before because they were still minors.

“Ken-ken, the alleged leader of the hostage takers, is now 18 years old and he was 16 during the 2009 incident. Brital is only 17,” said Baxinella, who admitted that the police can’t do anything but follow the law.

Baxinella said that police are preparing to file kidnapping with serious illegal detention charges against Ken-ken, Brital and two other suspects, Allan Perez, 42, and Dodong Sabay.

He added that the police would get the statements of the 16 hostages to form part of the evidence against the four suspects, who are members of the Manobo tribe.

Five armed Manobo tribesmen seized the group of school officials, teachers, a student and several residents last April 1 after attending graduation ceremonies in Prosperidad town in Agusan del Sur province.