Suspects in ex-OWWA exec’s kidnap-slay nabbed

MANILA, Philippines - Four men suspected of killing a former official of the Overseas Workers Welfare Administration after his family paid an P800,000  ransom were arrested in separate operations in Antipolo City over the weekend.

Mark Stanley Banghulot, Roger Mirabite,  Roger Escropolo and Teody Maghayop admitted their role in the kidnapping and murder of Jose Saribong, said Senior Superintendent Rolando Anduyan, Rizal police director.

Anduyan said Banghulot, the alleged leader of the kidnap group, yielded a caliber .45 pistol.

The police also recovered a black Honda Civic, which the group used in the kidnapping.

The STAR learned that Saribong was the proprietor of the Jaddax Recruitment International.

Anduyan said Saribong was carrying P890,000 and was on his way home after meeting friends at a hotel in Manila when the suspects blocked his path along Golden Meadows Subdivision in Barangay Mayamot, some 50 meters away from his subdivision, at 12:36 a.m. last Jan. 23.

Anduyan said Saribong’s driver was repeatedly shot and died on the spot.

The armed men then dragged Saribong out of his vehicle and dumped him inside a Toyota Fortuner and drove off. They demanded a P40-million ransom.

After a series of negotiations, the family of Saribong handed over P800,000 to the kidnappers last Wednesday, not knowing that the victim had been killed.

 â€œThe group apparently killed Saribong not only because he knew them but also for not giving in to their monetary demands as they know the financial standing of his family,” said Anduyan.

Saribong’s body was found covered by cement and his hands and feet tied.

Police have filed kidnapping with homicide charges against the suspects.

Philippine National Police chief Director General Alan Purisima said four more suspects are being hunted for the crime.

Banghulot, manager of Fuel Cycle Inc. and a business partner of the victim, is suspected to be the mastermind in the killing. – Non Alquitran, Cecille Suerte Felipe