Man claims abduction, torture, escapes captors

By Felipe V. Celino

ROXAS CITY, Capiz — A 22-year-old man who claimed he was abducted, mauled, and held for three days by three suspects escaped Sunday afternoon, Jan. 18, from a safe house along Philippines Railway Street, Barangay Punta Tabuc.

The victim, identified as John Emerald Durana, alias “Koob,” a resident of Elieta Street, Barangay Banica, was brought to the hospital following his escape.

Durana identified the suspects as Chenito Abaldonado y De Asis, alias “Toti De Asis,” of Railway Street, Barangay IX; alias “Pidoy” of Barangay Tiza; and Jeff Brondial, alias “Alog Badjao,” of Railway Street, Barangay Punta Tabuc.

He said that at around 10 a.m. on Jan. 15, 2026, while he was at Bayot Drive, the suspects allegedly approached him and forcibly brought him to a compound along Philippines Railway Street.

Durana claimed he was detained inside a room where he was beaten and shot twice in the right foot with an unidentified caliber of firearm.

At around 5 p.m. on Jan. 18, he said the suspects were no longer around, giving him an opportunity to escape despite his injuries.

He sought help from a friend, alias “Ren-ren,” in Punta Tabuc, who brought him to the barangay tanod outpost and later to Roxas Memorial Provincial Hospital for treatment.

Police have launched a manhunt operation against the three suspects.