Suspected kidnapper nabbed in San Pablo

SAN PABLO CITY — One of the suspected kidnappers of a businesswoman and her two children the other week was arrested after being wounded in a shootout here with police operatives.

Senior Superintendent Edwin Corvera, Laguna police chief, said that Geraldo Andrade, 37, a resident of Sariaya town in Quezon, sustained a gunshot wound in the neck after a brief shootout with elements of the city police led by Superintendent Romeo Sta. Ana.

Andrade and two unidentified companions allegedly kidnapped businessman Rommel Soriano, 40, at the Mary Help Christian Subdivision last Thursday.

Soriano reportedly escaped his captors and was able to inform the police of the incident. Responding policemen were able to track down the suspects but when they were about to accost them, they opened fire at the lawmen.

When taken to the Pagamutang Panlalawigan ng Laguna, Andrade was also identified by businesswoman Mila Santiago Ilagan, 42, a resident of Balagtas Boulevard here, as one of the three armed men who snatched her and her two daughters while they were on their way to Tiaong town last July 7.

Ilagan said that Andrade and his armed companions commandeered their van and demanded P500,000 in ransom. However, on their way to Tiaong, they passed by a military checkpoint where she was able to give signals to policemen that they were in trouble.

The suspects reportedly fled to unknown directions, leaving the victims behind.

Andrade, who is also facing kidnapping charges in Tanauan City, yielded his .9mm pistol to the police when he was arrested. — Rene Alviar