Iloilo Police denies yarn on kidnapping of trader

ILOILO CITY, Philippines  — The Iloilo Police Provincial Office (IPPO) denied reports that a trader in Sara town of Iloilo province has been kidnapped four days ago.

IPPO director Senior Supt. Gil Lebin said the alleged kidnapping of Nelson Sonza, owner of Model Agricultural Supply in Sara town, was just a mere rumor.

This "rumor," circulated through text messages, claimed that Sonza was kidnapped last Monday in Balasan town, and that the kidnappers had demanded P5 million for his release.

It further alleged that, after Sonza was set free by his captors, he reportedly left the country for Thailand purportedly to take a respite from the quite "horrible" incident.

Lebin however said that in his talks with Chief Insp. Willy Diel, Chief of the Sara Police chief, the latter denied the kidnapping yarn, and even the Balasan Police also debunked the story of the kidnapping in their town.

Lebin said that Sonza's employees confirmed that their boss is now in Thailand to buy some supplies for their agricultural business.

"I have personally talked to some of those close to the family. They said they have not heard of such reports. They averred that they would have known if ever that happened," he said.

For now, Lebin could not yet establish how the "rumors" started. "I'm not sure of the purpose why some people would like to float this issue. Maybe, they want to test the readiness of our policemen," he added.

Lebin said the IPPO has not monitored any active kidnap-for-ransom groups operating in Iloilo province. For quite some time, no kidnapping incident has happened in the area, he said.  (FREEMAN)