Lim orders manhunt for abused maid's employers

MANILA, Philippines - Mayor Alfredo Lim ordered the Manila Police District (MPD) yesterday to form a task force to hunt down a couple accused of maltreating their maid following reports they are hiding in Manila.

Analiza and Reynold Marzan were charged with attempted homicide and serious illegal detention for abusing Bonita Baran, who has been left blind and disfigured by the abuse allegedly done by the Marzans. The couple’s lawyer earlier claimed in a Senate hearing that Baran’s injuries were self-inflicted.

Lim said he ordered Senior Superintendent Robert Po, MPD deputy chief for operations, to focus on the case after meeting with Public Attorney’s Office chief Persida Acosta, who sought help after hearing reports that the couple have been hiding in Manila.