Trader escapes abduction in Makati

A businessman was almost abducted while standing outside a restaurant at the Ayala Center in Makati City, according to his bodyguard.

SPO3 Onofre Ocunen, a member of the Western Police District, informed the complaint desk of the Makati Police the other day that his employer escaped abduction by unidentified suspects last Nov. 30.

Ocunen said his boss, Francisco Tiu Laurel Jr., a businessman and resident of South Forbes Park in Makati City, was standing alone outside the Venezia Restaurant at Glorietta, Ayala Center when three vehicles stopped in front of him.

Several men emerged from three vehicles, a Toyota Corolla (WHS-661), Kia Carnival van (WSH-999) and Mitsubishi Pajero (WJS-782), and tried to force Laurel to go with them. The suspects introduced themselves as members of a certain Task Force Limbas.

Laurel resisted, tearing his shirt as a result. Ocunen said he was not in the vicinity when the incident took place and was unable to assist his employer.

Several people from the nearby establishments saw the incident and shouted at the suspects, who immediately boarded their vehicles and fled.

Ocunen informed the police that Laurel was confined at a hospital for treatment of bruises he sustained from the struggle. – Marvin Sy