Rasuman kin kidnapped in Lanao del Norte

MANILA, Philippines - A relative of suspected investment scam leader Jachob Rasuman was kidnapped in Lanao del Norte, according to reports reaching the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) yesterday.

The report stated that Rasuman’s brother-in-law, Henry Khalid Tomawis, and his three companions were in a Mitsubishi Montero (KGE-971) on their way to Iligan City when 20 heavily armed men blocked their way in Barangay Payawan in Baloi town last March 2.

“Tomawis, together with his companions, were flagged down by heavily armed men, and three suspects reportedly held him at gunpoint,”  according to a three-page report of NBI-Iligan.

Tomawis’ vehicle was found abandoned the following day in the vicinity of Barangay Pacaconin in Lanao del Sur.

The kidnapping came two days after talks between investors and members of the Rasuman family reportedly bogged down. It was learned that Rasuman, who was charged with syndicated estafa, failed to make good his promise to pay back his investors by Feb. 28.

Lt. Col. Danilo Ibon, commanding officer of the 4th Infantry Battalion, said initial investigation showed that Tomawis’ disappearance was connected to the investment scam.

In a text message, Northern Mindanao Regional Prosecutor Jaime Umpa said Tomawis was handed to a group believed to be victims of the investment scam.

“It’s not clear whether the first group who staged the kidnapping was paid their investment when the transfer was made,” read the text message.

Umpa has warned that violence could erupt in the Lanao provinces after Rasuman failed to repay his investors millions of pesos.

Rasuman’s co-accused include his father and former Department of Public Works and Highways undersecretary Bashir Rasuman; and their relatives Emma Rasuman, Jeremiah Amer Rasuman, Jamirie Amer Rasuman, Jerome Amer Rasuman, Bashir Rasuman Jr., Jamila Rasuman Tomawis, Jalaima Rasuman Mangarun, Amer Tomawis; and Princess Aliah Tomawis Rasuman.  They are all at large. â€“ With Jigger Jerusalem