2 Army officers eyed in NV trader’s kidnap

BAYOMBONG, Nueva Vizcaya — An official of a remote Nueva Vizcaya town called on the police yesterday to look into the role of two men who claimed to be Army officers in last week’s abduction of a Chinese-Filipino businessman in Bagabag town.

The pick-up truck of the two men, who had reportedly introduced themselves as officers of the Army’s 5th Infantry Division based in Isabela, crashed into the roadside in Buaya, Diadi town while police were pursuing the kidnappers of businessman Lawrence Ang.

The pick-up truck was reportedly escorting the kidnappers’ getaway vehicle, said the local official, who requested anonymity.

The official questioned why the police, which were blocking all possible exits of the kidnappers, allowed the Army officers to escape when they had to be taken to Bagabag town for investigation.

The two were later found to be an Army captain and a lieutenant based at the headquarters of the Army’s 5th ID at Camp Melchor de la Cruz in Gamu, Isabela.

According to the local official, Bagabag policemen, who caught up with the two Army officers, apparently recognized them, saying, "Kayo pala, sir (So, it’s you, sir)." The official was present when this occurred.

Bagabag Mayor Nestor Sevillena, in a radio interview, admitted that the local police committed "a lapse in judgment" in releasing the two Army officers without interrogating them. 

Ang, who owns several gasoline stations here, was seized and dragged to a Starex van in Bagabag town at about 9 p.m. last July 19.

Upon learning about the abduction, police promptly pursued the kidnappers, finding their van abandoned in Buaya, Diadi town.

Police later spotted Ang, who had apparently escaped from his kidnappers, running down a hillside toward the national highway.

Sources told The STAR that military authorities were investigating the kidnapping due to reports of the Army officers’ alleged involvement.