Japanese trader’s 8 ‘abductors’ fall

BUTUAN CITY — Charges are being readied against eight suspects in the kidnapping of a Japanese businessman in Surigao del Sur last Jan. 23 following their arrest last week.

Caraga deputy police director Reinerio Camins identified the suspects as Vicente Salon, Rolando Ochavillo, Melquiades Apole, Lorenzo Apole, Estrella Apole, Rolando Apole, Juvel Apole and Renato Apole.

The eight suspects are now detained at the Surigao del Sur provincial jail in Tandag town.

They were implicated in the abduction of Japanese trader Yazumitzu Yasuda Hashiba, 48, in Barangay Bunga, Lanuza town last Jan. 23.

They were also believed to be responsible for past highway robberies in the province.

Hashiba and his family were first robbed of P50,000 cash and valuables, after which the suspects seized the Japanese and fled aboard his Toyota Corolla.

They then transferred to an L-300 van when they reached Sison, Surigao del Norte. Hashiba was found in San Jose town on Dinagat Island six days later.

Dismayed over his ordeal, Hashiba, who was engaged in the fishing business, flew back to Japan. It was not reported whether he left with his Filipino wife and children.