Chief of Police in Davao, abducted and allegedly killed by NPA

Miami
June 4, 2008
Story: Chief of Police in Davao, abducted and allegedly killed by NPA

A Chief of Police assigned in Boston Municipal Police Station in Davao oriental, was abducted and later killed by his abductors. The Chief’s subordinate who was with him was currently hostage by the abductors

At around 1:30 pm of June 3, 2008 the Chief of Police of Boston Town Police Chief Inspector Joel Belenson, 34 and PO1 Rowel Balmores were on their way to Barangay Mahayhay to attend court hearing on the said place when suddenly they were abducted by New People’ Army in barangay Cabasagan.

The two were riding in one motorcycle when they were blocked by several armed men. According to Davao Oriental Provincial Director Sr. Supt. Jimmy Manabat, based on witnesses accounts20-30 armed men were in the area when the two were abducted. Even the motorcycle that they are riding were brought by the abductors.

Manabat also added, “The NPA already owned what happened to my police,” though he said it is still unclear what was their reason for abducting him.

Manabat think that the abductors really waited for them to pass by on that area.

A few hours after the abduction, at around 3:30 pm, the body of Belenson was found in Barangay Cabasagan, the same area where they were abducted. Belenson has multiple gunshot wounds on his body.

His companion, Balmores is still being held hostage by the NPA.

“Our operation is on-going, but until now the NPA is not yet negotiating with us. We want to get Balmores alive from them,” Manabat said.

Manabat also said that the abductors can easily hide on the area because the area is mountainous one.