‘Animal-kidnap-for-ransom’
CATTLE RUSTLERS’ NEW PLOY
LINGAYEN–Cattle rustlers, recently back with a vengeance in the province, have adopted a new modus operandi: animal-kidnap-for-ransom.
P/Supt. Romeo Caramat, chief of the intelligence division of the provincial police, told newsmen in a forum last week that there have been reports in different areas where cattle thieves have asked for ransom money from the owner for the return of his farm animal.
As might have been expected, several of the victims brushed aside the demand believing it was a joke.
But one owner in San Carlos City, who was asked to pay P20,000 for the return of his cow, sought the help of the police Special Operations Group (SOG).
Consequently, the cattle thief or “kidnapper” was apprehended in an entrapment operation and is now facing charges in court.
Cattle rustlers have been stealing not just cows but other farm animals such as goats.
MOTORCYCLES TOO
Police also noted an increase in motorcycle theft incidents.
P/Supt. Wilson Lopez, chief of the operations in the provincial police, said the the recall of shotguns issued to barangay chairmen in line with the election gun ban may have, indeed, emboldened criminals lately, but he admitted that this could be just one factor.
Lopez added that the prevailing tough economic conditions would be another probable reason for the increase in these criminal activities.
Lopez urged communities to remain vigilant and promptly report presence of strangers in their barangays.#
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