Body of kidnapped Indian natl found in Isabela town

ILAGAN, Isabela — Police on Saturday found the body of an Indian national who was abducted and killed last week in San Mariano, Isabela. Ilagan police chief Superintendent Baltazar Israel said 33-year-old Subash Chander Kermarian's decomposing body was found floating on the Pinacanauan river in the village of Daragutan East in San Marinao. The victim was supposedly involved in money-lending business. Suspected gunman Pedro Fugaban surrendered on Sunday morning to San Mariano policemen, who turned him over to the Ilagan police for investigation. On Friday, police arrested two Indian nationals — whose identities were withheld — for supposedly paying a Filipino gunman P30,000 for Kermarian's killing. Israel said the victim and the two other Indian nationals, who were also involved in money-lending, were not in good terms. Found in their safehouse were two tricycles used in the alleged abduction, as well as the blood-stained shirt and shoes of the victim. Citing witnesses' accounts, police said Kermarian was seen being dragged by three men inside a black tricycle in Purok 6 in this town. His orange motorcycle with plate No. 1393 BM was found abandoned at the site where he was allegedly abducted. He was supposed to go to Namnama village to collect payment from his clients when he was taken. —Joel Nueva/Sophia Dedace/VS, GMANews.TV