Ex-soldier snatched in Rizal

CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna, Philippines – A retired soldier had been snatched by suspected New People’s Army (NPA) guerrillas in Tanay, Rizal, police reported Wednesday.

Former Army master sergeant Lino Filipino, 57, was taken by 10 armed men and women, who introduced themselves as NPA rebels, from his house in Barangay Tinucan early this week.

The kidnapping was reported to the Tanay police by 2/Lt. Ronnel Avanizado of the Army’s 16th Infantry Battalion.

The kidnappers took Filipino’s shotgun and personal belongings.

Meanwhile, the military turned over to the police two civilians identified as Marites dela Cruz and Rosario Marquez, both of Quezon province, who were reportedly among the 10 men and women who kidnapped Filipino.