LINGAYEN—Is 20-year old Richard Ortega ironically being held against his will over a kidnapping charge he filed?

Ortega earlier filed a complaint against re-electionist 2nd District Rep. Leopoldo Bataoil for alleged illegal detention tantamount to kidnapping after he was allegedly questioned by a group of men, including Bataoil, for taking photos of supposed vote-buying activities by the Bataoil camp.

But Ortega, according to his father and wife, is now apparently again in detention, this time under the custody of Kim Manaois-Lokin, the political rival of Bataoil

They said Richard has not come home since filing the charges before the court three weeks ago.

Victorio believes that his son was bribed by the camp of Lokin to file the charges against Bataoil with an assurance of an opportunity to study in Australia or work at the Bureau of Customs.

“Nasusulsulan lang po ‘yong bata,” said the father, referring to his legally adult son.

“Parang awa po niyo, pauwiin niyo na yong anak ko,” said Victorio during a press conference on May 8.

Victorio and Richard’s wife, Joan, admitted that they remain in contact with him through mobile telephone calls and text messaging.

Joan said Richard told her that his lawyers told him not to go home, most likely until the case is over.

“Kapag uwian na ang usapan, pinuputol na niya,” added Victorio.

Victorio also laments that they are not informed of his son’s whereabouts.

“Hindi nila sinasabi sa amin kung saan siya dadalhin,” he said.

Victorio also said he asked Ramchand Caronongan, a Liberal Party board member bet in Pangasinan, about the whereabouts of his son but was brushed off and “Minura pa niya ako.”

Further, Victorio and Joan said they have received money from Richard through a representative amounting to P4,000, P2,000 and P2,500 for the past three weeks.–Johanne R. Macob

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