‘Joavan bought stolen van’

RAPHAEL ‘Raprap’ Montilla has accused the police of abducting him as he denied allegations that he was part of the car theft ring.

Montilla, 27 from Las Piñas City in Metro Manila and emporarily residing in Vista Grande Subdivision, barangay Bulacao, Talisay City told Cebu Daily News that he befriended Seo Yong Hong alias Luis in a Cebu casino in 2010.

He said their friendship never involved illegal activities.

“Tumutulong lang siya sa akin nga may mag-abang sa balay,” he said while saying that he went to Cebu in 2008 to review for the Nursing Licensure Examination after graduating from the University of Perpetual Help in Las Pinas.

Montilla said Seo offered to sell him a Starex van for P120,000 but didn’t have the money.

“Wala ko kabalo nga carnap diay na pero wala man ko nipalit kay wala man ko kwarta,” he added.

He later introduced Seo to Joavan Fernandez, adopted son of Talisay City Mayor Socrates Fernandez, who allegedly was the one who bought the van.

“O napalit niya ang sakyanan,” Montilla replied when asked to clarify his statement that Fernandez bought the vehicle.

The mayor’s son could not be reached for comment as of press time.

On the night of February 19, Montilla said that he was riding his motorcycle when the police flagged him down in front of Vista Grande.

Police didn’t introduce themselves properly and instead asked him about the Korean nationals.

“Kinakabahan narin ako, parang murag abduction man gud ang nahitabo. Walang pakilala-pakilala sila,” he said.