Kidnap raps filed vs scions of rich families in Isabela

SAN MATEO, Isabela — Police here filed formal charges against three sons of wealthy families here for last week’s abduction, detention and torture of a 22-year-old local laborer.

Charged with kidnapping before the provincial prosecutor’s office here were Jojo Petinez, 30; Marcelo dela Cruz and David Encarnacion, all scions of wealthy and influential families here.

Supt. Reynaldo Sinaun, this town’s police chief, said formal charges against the suspects were filed last Nov. 19, or two days after the kidnapping of Crescencio de Vera, laborer at a supermarket owned by Dela Cruz.

Petinez’s father, Diosdado, a millionaire-banker, is the founding owner and chairman of the Rural Bank of San Mateo here.

Dela Cruz’s family is the owner of Ranbel’s Bargain Center, one of the biggest supermarkets in Tuguegarao City, Cagayan with a branch here. The family of Encarnacion owns a chain of videoke bars and computer shops here.

The suspects had accused the victim of stealing dozens of T-shirts and short pants from Ranbel’s shop here.

The victim, claimed being tortured by the suspects. — Charlie Lagasca