ZAMBOANGA CITY (MindaNews/15 March) – A police official today said they have an airtight case against the kidnappers of a nurse who was kidnapped in this city and was released 76 days later.
Senior Supt. Edwin de Ocampo, Zamboanga City police director, made the announcement after the victim herself executed an affidavit naming who her kidnappers were.
Maricris Cuartocruz, 21, was freed last March 1 following payment of “goodwill money” in Barangay Timbang-Timbang, Alicia, Zamboanga Sibugay.
Cuartocruz was kidnapped last December 14 from her residence in Barangay Manicahan, 20 kilometers east of this city.
The kidnappers mauled Cuartocruz’ mother, Elena, and killed her grandfather, Jesus Sogradiel, who tried to come to her rescue.
De Ocampo said they have high hopes the case will prosper citing the victim herself executed an affidavit last Monday and identified her kidnappers.
He, however, noted that it took 13 days for Cuartocruz to execute an affidavit to support the case of kidnapping for ransom they earlier filed against the kidnappers.
The police filed the case a few days after the incident when they discovered that Cuartocruz’ uncle, Pedro Sogradiel, Jr.
, was allegedly involved in the kidnapping.
The uncle had been detained following his arrest by the police.
Cuartocruz had so far identified 12 of her kidnappers, who are said to be members of the “Lost Command” of the Moro Islamic Liberation Front based in Naga, Zamboanga Sibugay, De Ocampo said.
The MILF had always denied the existence of a so-called Lost Command. (MindaNews)
