2 kidnap gang suspects nabbed in Zamboanga Sibugay

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – Two suspects in the kidnapping of a nursing student last year in this city, were captured in a town of Zamboanga Sibugay province Friday night.

Chief Superintendent Elpedio de Asis, Police Regional Office 9 (PRO) director, said the suspects were identified through their aliases Rajack Campo and Abdurahman Abdurahim, both members of the lost command of Muslim rebels engaged in kidnapping in Zamboanga peninsula.

De Asis said members of Malangas police led by Police Inspector Rolando Matinong arrested the suspects at around 5:30 p.m. Friday.

“The arrest was made through the strength of warrant of arrest issued by the Regional Trial Court Branch 12 in Zamboanga City for the criminal charges of kidnapping with serious illegal detention with ransom,” De Asis said.

He said the case was in connection with the kidnapping of 21-year-old nursing student Maricris Cuartocruz last Dec. 14 in Barangay Manicahan here.

During her more than two months of captivity, Cuartocruz converted to Islam religion and reportedly married the son of the kidnap gang leaders to protect from harm. The family eventually paid “board and lodging” in exchange for her release.