NORTH COTABATO, Philippines — The cancer-stricken spouse of a police officer snatched by rebels in President Roxas town last week passed away before dawn Wednesday.
Felomina, mother of Inspector Menardo Cui, told reporters Wednesday that her daughter-in-law, Florelie, passed away wishing for her husband's release by the New People’s Army.
Cui was abducted by NPAs while in a videoke bar in the town proper of President Roxas along with his off-duty subordinates.
Florelie had repeatedly appealed to the NPA to release Cui, deputy municipal police chief of President Roxas, before she succumbed to cervical cancer.
The Cuis, who reside in Magpet town in North Cotabato, have three children.
Felomina said all three of her grandchildren might quit school since there is no one now who would provide for their daily needs.
In a statement, the Army’s 39th Infantry Battalion said Cui was taken by his NPA captors to the hinterland boundary of North Cotabato and Bukidnon provinces.
There is a strong NPA presence in forested areas between the two provinces.
Intelligence agents of the 39th IB, which operates in President Roxas and nearby towns in North Cotabato, are helping the police locate Cui and his abductors.