Alleged kidnapper of Caloocan students has mental issues, left by family — mayor

Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan. | File photo by Noy Morcoso | INQUIRER.net

MANILA, Philippines — The 49-year-old pedicab driver who attempted to kidnap two children in front of an elementary school in Caloocan City had mental issues and was recently abandoned by his family.

Caloocan City Mayor Dale Gonzalo “Along” Malapitan bared these details about the suspect who was arrested and detained for the Feb.18 attempted abduction of a nine-year-old girl and a 10-year-old boy in front of the Maypajo Elementary School in Barangay 35.

READ: PNP: Kidnapping cases down in January 2025

“Based on the initial investigation, the suspect was found to be not in the right mind as he was recently left by his wife and kids,” Malapitan said in a statement on Wednesday.

Before the attempted kidnapping, the suspect also did not have food for “a few days,” according to the mayor.

The Northern Police District (NPD) reported on Tuesday that the suspect first grabbed the 10-year-old boy who resisted by striking the latter’s hand before fleeing.

The suspect then attempted to grab the nine-year-old girl, but a tanod of Barangay 35 saw the incident and immediately intervened.

“[The nine-year-old girl] escaped, ran towards the arresting tanod, and sought protection, stating that the suspect was not her father,” the NPD said in its report.

The tanod, identified as Bernie Nacubuan, also prevented people from ganging up on the suspect.

“Barangay 35 tanod secured both the victim and the suspect, preventing further harm as an enraged crowd began assaulting the suspect,” authorities said.

Malapitan lauded Nacubuan for his “vigilance and immediate response to the incident.”

The suspect is now under police custody and is facing kidnapping charges, said the mayor.