[UPDATED] Puerto Princesa City information officer Richard Ligad took to social media this morning, September 17, the attemped abduction of the Grade 12 student.
He said they immediately conducted an investigation last night after the plate number of the vehicle, allegedly used by two men wearing bonnets, was clearly visible. They traced the owner of the vehicle and were able to speak with him.
“Ang hindi lang totoo na sinasabi niya is hindi sila bumaba, walang naka-bonnet na sinasabi. Hindi sila bumaba, walang naka-bonnet. At ‘yun naman ay kaya niyang patunayan. Kilala natin, nakilala na natin ‘yung may-ari,” Ligad explained.
Ligad added that there is no reason for the public to worry.
He also said the vehicle owner is determined to file the appropriate charges.
Meanwhile, authorities are currently in the area and talking to the student, according to Station 5.
A 17-year-old Grade 12 student of Marcelino Abadiano Javarez National High School (MAJNHS) said she was targeted in an abduction attempt by two unidentified men riding a white Ford pick-up while she was walking along the road in Purok Centro, Barangay Maruyogon, Puerto Princesa City, around 4:20 p.m. on September 16.
In an interview with Palawan News, alias “Jean” said both men wore black clothing and bonnets.
One of them was tall and carrying a handkerchief. When they stepped out of the vehicle and walked toward her, she said she immediately ran in fear.
She managed to take photos of the vehicle, which she later shared on her social media.
Jean said she captured the images as the white Ford pick-up was driving away after the incident.
“Natatakot kasi ako. Actually, matangkad ‘yung isa, naka-bonnet, hindi ko mamukhaan. Wala naman silang dala na iba, panyo lang ‘yung hawak ng isa. Pagbaba nila, agad na akong tumakbo lalo na kasi di ko naman sila makilala at isa lang ako at wala ring kasabayan,” alias Jean told Palawan News.
She added that she was walking home alone from school when the incident happened.
Out of fear, she went straight home and did not go to the police or barangay, but managed to report the incident through “chat.”
“Hindi na po ako nakapunta ng barangay o PNP pero nagchat na ako sa mga pulis [PPCPO Station 5 – San Rafael Station],” she said.
Police confirmed that the victim reported the incident around 8:22 p.m. through their text line, and that authorities are now conducting an investigation.
The student also issued a warning to parents to make sure their children are picked up from school and not allowed to walk alone, especially during late hours.
Palawan News remains open to the side and explanation of the owner of the vehicle shown in the photo provided to the news team.
