Was ‘Don Chiyuto’ murdered?

“Kidnapping causes a long-term rupture in the psyche of those kidnapped and of those who wait for their return. It doesn't end.”

—Uzodinma Iweala

 

By Alex P. Vidal

 

IS he still alive or was silenced permanently by some irate investors?

It’s been a week since double-your-money investment executive Patrocenio Calvez Chiyuto Jr., popularly known as “Don Chiyuto” and the chief executive officer (CEO) of a double-your-money investment scheme based in Roxas City, Capiz, went missing after he was allegedly kidnapped by armed men at around 5:30 p.m. at his residence in Barangay Talon Dos, BF Resort Village, Las Piñas City, Metro Manila.

Although some of his alleged abductors, including some cops, have been arrested days after his alleged kidnapping on March 16, his whereabouts haven’t been known as of this writing.

The alleged kidnapping and the reported capture of some suspects, however, left so many questions than answers.

A CCTV reportedly captured Chiyuto’s “abduction” where he was heard crying for help while being forcibly brought inside a van waiting outside his house.

 

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His relatives, meanwhile,  have offered a reward of P200,000 for those who could provide tips for his whereabouts, or whether he is still alive.

There were no reports of ransom being asked by his abductors.

Six persons, including a police officer, were arrested in Makati and Parañaque on March 18 for allegedly kidnapping the man accused of masterminding an investment scam.

Philippine National Police (PNP) officer-in-charge Lt. Gen. Guillermo Eleazar identified the lawman as S/MSgt. Felipe Woo, 46, who is assigned with the Regional Mobile Force Battalion of the National Capital Region Police Office.

The other suspects were Cyryl Malana, 38; Maverick Edrol Sapitanan, 24; Sapitanan’s mother, Marie Grace, 41; Celso Lozano, 50; and Chinese Gao Ya Quong, 30.

Based on an initial investigation, PNP spokesman Brig. Gen. Ildebrandi Usana said it appears Chiyuto allegedly duped dozens of people in a fraudulent investment scheme. 

There were speculations some of those who felt double-crossed must’ve masterminded the alleged abduction “after realizing they could no longer recover their investment.”

There were those who accused Chiyuto of “staging” the kidnapping so he could escape from the wrath of his investors and avoid prosecution.

As days passed by without any lead as to his exact location, Chiyuto’s friends and relatives feared for the worst.

Did he fake the abduction? Did the kidnappers keep him in an undisclosed place? Or did they murder him as a retaliatory act for the failed investment scheme? 

If some of the alleged kidnappers have already been arrested, how come the PNP has failed to compel them to pinpoint or produce Chiyuto’s body dead or alive?

 

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LET'S PREVENT THE SPREAD OF FLU by doing the following: 1. Staying away from people who are sick--and staying home when we are sick; 2. Covering our mouth and nose when we cough or sneeze; 3. Washing our hands frequently; 4. Don't touch our eyes, nose, or mouth. 

If we smoke, we know that this habit can be hard to kick. If we have been thinking of quitting or have tried before, let's not give up. It is never too late. Let's take advantage of the options available. People who make a plan and get support can succeed.

I’m hoping that my Microsoft 365 subscription will no longer give me a headache this week.

(The author, who is now based in New York City, used to be the editor of two dailies in Iloilo)