3 minors rescued from kidnapper in Benguet

ITOGON, Benguet – After hours of fear and uncertainty, three minors were rescued Tuesday, May 19, after they were allegedly kidnapped by a construction worker here in Sitio Tuwap, Barangay Gumatdang.

Benguet Provincial Police Office Director Col. Elmer Ragay identified the suspect as Rogelio C. Fernandez, 48, single, construction worker here of Minac, Tuding.

Ragay said the three minors were lured into playing with the suspect and a friend around 10 a.m. Monday, May 18.

The minors were not able to return home.

The minors, two siblings and their cousin aged between seven and eight, were first reported missing on social media.

Investigation showed that at about 10 a.m. on 19 May, the victims were out with their friends when lured by Fernandez to go with him.

Itogon police conducted follow-up investigation and a manhunt operation that resulted in the arrest of the suspect, and successful rescue of the three missing minors at about 11a.m. the next day.

The rescued minors and the arrested suspect were brought to Itogon MPS for proper disposition.

The incident was referred to the municipal social welfare and development office of Itogon for proper disposition of the minors.

A case of kidnapping of minors, and violation of other relevant laws were prepared by the police for filing against Fernandez.

The motive was yet to be established.