Knife leads to child’s kidnapper

A man initially accosted for wielding a fan knife in Quezon City turned out to be wanted for allegedly snatching a 1-year-old boy early this month.

Anthony Urbano Dimalanta, a.k.a. Dennis Nabua, 29, was arrested at about 6:30 p.m. on Saturday at the corner of Del Monte and Araneta Avenues in Barangay (village) Masambong.

A concerned citizen had called the police after Dimalanta allegedly brandished a knife in the neighborhood.

Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director Senior Supt. Richard Albano said a human trafficking case had been filed against Dimalanta for taking Lovelio “Buboy” Mendoza Jr. on April 2 in Sto. Niño Street, Barangay San Antonio.

The boy was returned by concerned citizens to the boys’ parents on April 5.

Dimalanta was arrested due partly to posters showing his face, based on a photo that he left with people to whom he tried to sell the boy.

Since the boy’s return, the QCPD issued wanted posters of Dimalanta.

Masambong police station commander Supt. Pedro Sanchez said residents recognized Dimalanta and tried to accost him. Enraged, Dimalanta took out a fan knife and waved it about.

On April 2, Dimalanta was caught on CCTV camera while coaxing the boy to follow him.

After getting the boy, Dimalanta went to Baclaran, Parañaque City, where he tried to sell the boy for P5,000.