Sketch of suspect in Navotas traders’ kidnap released

The Northern Police District (NPD-DIID) released yesterday the cartographic sketch of one of the five abductors of a Navotas businessman.

The suspect was described as between 25-30 years old, 5’4’’ to 5’5’’ in height, white complexioned, slim built and sporting a clean-cut black hair.

Superintendent Jimili Macaraeg, NPD-DIID chief said the family of the victim, Augusto "Aging" Lisan, has yet to hear from the suspects.

The NPD is, however, still clueless on the motive of the abduction as the victim’s family refused to talk to cops.

"The family of the victim is silent but our investigation is ongoing. We are still looking into several possible motives," NPD director Chief Superintendent Leopoldo Bataoil said.

Police sources, however, who requested anonymity, said probers are pursuing two leads in the abduction motive, including a rape case in Pampanga involving Lisan and a battle for turf in a rapidly shrinking illegal gambling market.

At around 2:20 p.m. on Wednesday, Lisan was snatched by two men armed with handguns. The suspects dragged Lisan to a parked white Mitsubishi Adventure with at least three more men inside.

According to witnesses, Lisan tried to fight back but was hit in the head by a pistol by one of his abductors.

As the suspects’ get-away vehicle sped off towards C-4 Road. Traffic enforcer Reynaldo Agas tried to stop them but the suspects pointed a gun at him and fired shots in the air to scare Agas and several other bystanders.

The suspects’ vehicle passed through Letre Road in the boundary of Caloocan City and Malabon and was seen in Bulacan a few minutes later.

Witnesses were only able jot down the vehicle’s license plate control number, 709.

Macaraeg said that Lisan is engaged in scrap metal business and also owns restaurants in Navotas.

Asked about reports that tagged Lisan as a big-time gambling lord in Caloocan, Malabon, Navotas, Valenzuela (CAMANAVA) area, Macaraeg said the allegation is difficult to substantiate.

The Philippine National Police (PNP’s) "one strike" policy remains in effect, Bataoil said, but said he is still in the process of evaluating the performances of his men.

When major crimes such as bank robbery and kidnapping including the illegal numbers game jueteng occur in a certain area, the chief of police is held responsible. This may cause his relief from his post, depending on the severity of his lapses.

When Bataoil assumed the NPD command last February, he told his men that he wants highly capable, efficient and dedicated police officers.

He also reminded them to do their job and meet the highest expectation of the public.