3 kidnapped children rescued in Lanao, Sulu

Agents of the Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Task Force (PAOCTF) and the Criminal Investigation and Detection Group (CIDG) rescued three children aged 4 to 6 in separate operations in Lanao del Norte and Sulu over the weekend.

Four-year-old Cristopher Basario was rescued unharmed by PAOCTF operatives last Saturday in Kapatagan, Lanao del Norte, where three Maranao women brought him after snatching him in Divisoria, Manila almost 15 months ago.

The boy, who has learned to speak the Maranao dialect, did not show any signs of trauma when he was reunited with his mother, Maria Teresa, a bicycle operator at the Cultural Center complex in Pasay City.

PAOCTF chief Director Hermogenes Ebdane said kidnapping charges will be filed against suspects Likad Saripada Raurak, 30; Raga Saripada Mamantak, 27; and Coli Ato Mauntol, 60, who seemed unrepentant when presented to the media yesterday.

Raurak told The STAR she was solely responsible for the abduction. "They (Mamantak and Mauntol) have nothing to do with this. I am responsible for everything," she said.

Raurak admitted asking for ransom for the boy after learning that his real parents were looking for him. She said a friend who entrusted the boy to her had left for Saudi Arabia and failed to send money for his expenses.

Meanwhile, CIDG agents rescued Isa Cerilo, 7, and Alvin Cerilo, 6, who were kidnapped in Zamboanga City and sold to two families in Jolo, Sulu two weeks ago.

Chief Superintendent Nestorio Gualberto, CIDG director, said a certain Rassaam Andilin Hakil, a Tausug, was tagged as the kidnapper.

Isa was reportedly sold to one Ibnihasim Abdurajak, and Alvin to one Ebin Asara, who both reside in Barangay Bilaan, Talipao, Sulu.