Business community shocked at

latest kidnapping in Zamboanga

Charlie Reith, 72, the latest kidnap victim in Zamboanga City.

Vice moralty candidate Crisanto "Monsi" Dela Cruz said the City's business community was "shocked" by the abduction of a Swiss-born businessman in the city on Easter Sunday.

"The business community here is shocked by the latest kidnapping of a good friend and a neighbor," said Dela Cruz, the former presidential assistant for Western Mindanao.

On Sunday, undetermined gunmen sneaked onto the resthouse of victim Charlie Reith, 72, at Sitio Parkampo, Barangay Patalon, west of Zamboanga City at around 6 p.m.

Reith was married to a Filipina and had been living in the Philippines for decades. He owns a sand and gravel business in the same village, but previously managed a large piece of land.

A caretaker told local reporters Reith was drinking liquor with a German friend when the abductors arrived. He said the German was left behind after he passed out.

The military said Reith was forced to board a pumpboat, which sped off with the gunmen to a still unknown direction.

The caretaker said the kidnappers also took the victims' cell phones, wallet, car keys and jewelry.

It was learned from media reports that the gunmen who abducted Reith were seen speeding away in the direction of Basilan island, a well-known Abu Sayyaf and kidnappers lair.

Monsi Dela Cruz said they are saddened by the kidnapping of Reith, who is a well-respected member of the local community in Zamboanga City.

"We're are praying for the fast and safe recovery of Mr. Reith," the former priest and government official said.

"I also ask the people of Zamboanga to stay calm but vigilant amid all the incidents taking place in the city," Dela Cruz added.

According to Dela Cruz, City Hall should properly use the intelligence fund to address and put a stop to the kidnapping menace.

He said the kidnapping problem stands as a critical stumbling block to Zamboanga City's and growth and progress.

"If there is more kidnapping then we will continue to lose business confidence from local and foreign investors," Dela Cruz further said.

"It is time for the present administration to set aside politics and solve this kidnapping problem once and for all," he ended. HG