MPD probes kidnap of 2 cops

MANILA, Philippines — Police are looking into the possibility that the separate kidnappings of two policemen in Manila recently were connected, an official said yesterday.

Manila Police District director Brig. Gen. Leo Francisco said they are conducting lifestyle checks on Cpl. Allan Hilario and Pat. Real Tesorio, who were reportedly kidnapped by unidentified armed suspects days apart last month.

Probers are still validating information they received about Hilario, which could determine the suspects’ motive for the kidnapping.

Tesorio’s supposed captors have yet to talk to his family.

“Until now, there is no communication from the kidnappers. We are looking into the possibility that these two cases of kidnapping are related,” Francisco said at a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

Hilario was reportedly kidnapped by at least a dozen armed men on Feb. 18 in Binondo.

After six days, Tesorio, who has been placed on floating status at the Regional Police Holding Center at the National Capital Region Police Office at Camp Bagong Diwa in Taguig, was forcibly taken by five armed men in Sta. Mesa.

Hilario and Tesorio remain missing.