NBI rescues kidnapped OFW in Cebu; 1 suspect killed, 1 arrested

MANILA, Philippines—A member of a kidnapping group was killed and one of his accomplices was arrested in a bloody rescue of an abducted overseas Filipino worker in Talisay, Cebu by the National Bureau of Investigation.

NBI Director Nonnatus Rojas on Wednesday said the fatality was Wane B. Tiano, a member of a kidnapping gang in the province.

Ronelo Martel Roble, 47, from Kalinaw 2, San Rafael, Talisay Cebu, was arrested while the other suspects, Police Officer 3 Lee Colina assigned in Cebu, and three unidentified men escaped.

The kidnap victim was identified as Reneboy Agraviador, an OFW.

In the morning of June 17, a certain Minerva B. Laborada sought the NBI’s assistance after the abduction of her common-law husband Agraviador.

Laborada said the victim was forcibly taken by five unidentified men at around 9 a.m. at the junction of Rabaya Street, Talisay City, Cebu and Highway of Cebu South Road Properties (SRP). Then, the kidnappers called up Laborada and demanded P50,000 for Agraviador’s release.

Laborada sought the NBI’s help which immediately planned a rescue operation. She agreed to meet the kidnappers on the same day near the Evergreen Cemetery at SRP, Talisay City, Cebu.

During the rescue, a shoot-out ensued that led to the death of Tiano and  the  arrest of Roble. However, the three other suspects escaped.

The NBI recovered the ransom money, a cell phone from Tiano’s body, two motorcycles – one of which belonged to the victim – and a wallet.

A case for kidnapping for ransom has been filed against Roble and his cohorts before the Talisay City, Cebu Prosecutor’s Office.