Journalist Louie Larroza of dyEC radio said his daughter's abduction may have been a warning to stop his broadcasts on corruption and other illegal activities in the province.
(CMFR/IFEX) – Unidentified men kidnapped the daughter of a Palawan-based broadcaster on 15 September 2011. The girl was released unharmed after eight hours, but the kidnappers were able to evade arrest. Louie Larroza of dyEC radio said the abduction of his daughter could have been “a warning for me to stop my broadcasts” on corruption and other illegal activities in the province.
At around 10 a.m. on 15 September 2011, Larroza’s daughter was photocopying school materials in front of her school when some men grabbed her and took her to a black vehicle. Larroza’s daughter was quoted saying she was blindfolded and brought to a “warehouse.”
Redempto Anda, “Philippine Daily Inquirer” correspondent and National Union of Journalists of the Philippines-Palawan chapter chair, told the Center for Media Freedom and Responsibility (CMFR) that the police were able to pinpoint the location of Larroza’s daughter by tracing her mobile phone signal. The police immediately set up checkpoints around Barangay Bancao, where the signal was traced.
“The Inquirer” quoted Puerto Princesa City police chief Supt. Virgilio Parocha as saying that “We were able to pinpoint the general location of the perpetrators and their captive after the captive was able to hide her cell phone inside her underpants and use it.”
Anda said the abductors released the broadcaster’s daughter around 6 p.m. (local time). He added that the kidnappers made no demands from the family. Larroza’s daughter was allegedly told to just cooperate and she would be released later.
Anda said Larroza has been receiving threats from unknown personalities that they would harm his family if he continued his commentaries. Larroza took a leave of absence after the incident, Anda added.
The police are still looking into the possible motives and identities of the abductors.
