Kidnapped Iligan trader finally free

MARAWI CITY — A Chinese-Filipino businessman snatched in Iligan City last August was rescued unharmed by anti-kidnapping operatives in Lanao del Sur at dawn yesterday.

The kidnappers of Melanio Siao Dano, 56, were forced to abandon him in Taraka town as combined elements of the First Marine Brigade, the provincial security force and the Police Anti-Crime Emergency Response (PACER) were hot on their trail.

There was no firefight during the pursuit, according to provincial security force chief Akira Alonto.

Dano was immediately turned over to Col. Francisco Gudani, commanding officer of the First Marine Brigade. He was later reunited with his family.

Gudani denied that ransom was paid in exchange for Dano’s release, and that the kidnappers were Moro Islamic Liberation Front or Abu Sayyaf rebels.

He said an "official of the provincial council" negotiated the businessman’s release.

Dano, owner of Nema Enterprises, was seized last Aug. 7 while driving his Grand Vitara near his residence at San Miguel Village in Barangay Palao, Iligan City.

His family later told authorities that the kidnappers were demanding P30-million ransom.

His abduction was discovered when Pablito Abragan Jr., chairman of Barangay Del Carmen, found Dano’s Grand Vitara abandoned near his house. Abragan informed police about it and the vehicle turned out to be Dano’s.

Iligan City Mayor Franklin Quijano promptly coordinated with Marawi City Mayor Omar Solitario Ali to help gather information on Dano’s whereabouts.

Dano’s family also sought the assistance of Lanao del Sur Gov. Mamintal Adiong who, in turn, tapped the military and ordered the provincial security force to track down Dano’s kidnappers. — with Bong Fabe