2010-09-20 13:46

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines - A Chinese-Filipino businessman was abducted by unidentified gunmen Sunday noon, security officials said on Monday.

Chief Supt. Edwin Corvera, commander of the Police Regional Office 9, said Monday that Vinton So, a 47-year old trader based in this city, was kidnapped from his junk shop. He said two of the suspects pretended as customers and took So at gunpoint. The kidnappers also took So's car, as getaway vehicle and escaped along with the three other suspects posting as lookouts.

"The family of the victim was horrified when the gunmen announced they are taking Vinton So as hostage," Corvera said.

He said the family, fearing for the safety of the victim, didn't report the incident to the police before the authorities confirmed the incident 5 hours later.

The victim's vehicle was recovered Sunday night after the police have flashed the alarm over the abduction of the businessman. No trace of the victim was recovered.

The police official said the kidnappers have already contacted the victim's family and warned them of not reporting to the authorities.

Corvera said they could not immediately ascertain if the kidnappers were linked with the dreaded Abu Sayyaf or the lost command group operating the kidnap syndicate in southern Philippines.