NBI nabs 5 for kidnapping trader's brother

Five people were arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) last Jan. 15 for allegedly kidnapping the brother of a trader in Quiapo, Manila.

One of the suspects was a woman who said during a press conference at the NBI yesterday she ordered the kidnapping of her former business partner because the latter owed her money. 

In a statement issued yesterday, NBI Director Nestor Mantaring identified the leader as Sahara Carnaval Muslimen, 30, of Barangay Sto. Cristo in San Pablo City, Laguna.

Also arrested were Arig Mama Mancao, 24; Junior Muslimen Malawani, 30; Esmail Sumagayan Barambangan, 40; and Radia Moda Abdullah Muslimen, 42.

The five suspects were charged with kidnapping and serious illegal detention, robbery, and illegal possession of firearms before the Manila prosecutor’s office. They are currently detained at the NBI jail.

Sahara’s husband, Rayda Malawani Anwar Muslimen, eluded arrest. Also at large are Bobby Muslimen, Aquisa Macapundag, and Minang Muslimen.

Kidnap victim Adjib Tiburon, 29, pointed at the arrested suspects, who were presented during yesterday's press conference.

Sahara, during an interview at the NBI headquarters, denied she kidnapped the victim, saying she only took him to force his sister, Nharmaine Tiburon, to pay the P600,000 she owed her.

Sahara said Nharmaine is her former partner in a general merchandise business.

An investigation by the NBI, led by Head Agent Roland Argabioso, showed that on Jan. 3, Sahara, Radia Moda, Junior and Mancao kidnapped Tiburon in Quiapo using a Toyota Corolla.

Sahara said her plan was to abduct Nharmaine, but failed to do so. The suspects then demanded P600,000 for the release of the victim.

On Jan. 5, Nharmaine and Khamid Tiburon, siblings of Adjib, sought the help of the NBI, which planned an entrapment.

It was agreed that the pay-off would be made on Jan. 15 at the San Pablo City Plaza in Laguna. The NBI agents spotted Radia Moda and Barambangan at the site. The suspects tried to flee but were arrested.

Prior to the entrapment, NBI agents said they confirmed that the victim and the vehicle used in his abduction were in a house in Barangay Sto. Niño, San Pablo City.

NBI agents, assisted by the local police, raided the house and rescued Tiburon. The lawmen arrested Sahara, Junior and Mancao during the raid.

The NBI also seized a Toyota Corolla (TNR-721), a loaded .38 caliber revolver with no serial number and two Nokia cell phones containing text messages regarding the abduction.