By Dominique Gabriel G. Bañaga

The family of the retired police officer abducted from Bacolod City’s Metro Inn on Good Friday are still without any information pertaining to the culprits. During a radio interview yesterday morning, the son of retired Police Major Lito Pirote, who requested to be only identified as ‘Gel,’ said the family is “clueless” as to the individuals behind the abduction as they were all wearing bonnets.

The police officer’s son said he is not aware of any threats made to his father’s life and acknowledged a case the retired law enforcement official faced before retirement but pointed out the case had been dismissed.

‘Gel’ said the family continues to await contact from the abductors as it is anticipated they may call to demand a ransom.

Last week, while attending a family affair at the Metro Inn, eight to 10 armed men wearing tactical gear and bonnets broke into the establishment, disarmed the security guards, and ordered employees and guests to lie down on the floor.

Pirote was then dragged out of the hotel and pushed inside a waiting Toyota HiAce van with plate number YS-4514, which immediately sped northwards.

The former cop retired from the service earlier this year and was previously assigned under the Philippine National Police Anti-Illegal Drugs Special Operations Task Group. He was also one of the seven cops President Rodrigo Duterte claimed were involved with a drug matrix.

In addition, Pirote was previously charged by the Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency for alleged links with the P11 billion drug shipment intercepted at the Manila International Container Port and in Cavite./DGB, WDJ