LA TRINIDAD, Benguet – Two individuals were arrested after they allegedly detained two minors for still unknown reasons in a shanty at Gulon, Ambion here.
Senior Superintendent Florante Camuyot, officer-in-charge of the Benguet Provincial Police Office, identified the arrested individuals as Willy Arcilla Lliantino, 52, unemployed, native of Catanduanes, Bicol Region; and Editha Cabunias Parocha, (grandmother of the victims) 54, widow, self-employed, native of Aringay, La Union, both are live-in partners and residents the place of incident.
Initial police investigation showed the local police force received information on the alleged detention of the two minors aged 8 and 10, respectively, in a shanty in the said place. Upon arrival in the place of incident, the police operatives were able to the presence of barangay officials, employees of the municipal social welfare and development office and concerned residents who were negotiating for the release of the victims.
After several hours, the negotiating team were able to succeed in freeing the minors from the custody of the suspects.
The suspects were arrested and confiscated from their possession were three bladed weapons, a bolo, knife and gardening tool, and were brought to the La Trinidad Municipal Police Station for the filing of the appropriate charges against them.
During the interrogation, the 10-year old victim informed probers that the male suspect allegedly molested her a few days ago.
By Dexter A. See