According to local media the child was abducted from his home by armed men, entering the house saying they had a delivery.The family received a phone call later demanding ransom for little Joel. The baby’s mother has a relationship with a wealthy milk merchant, who would be the real target of the extortion. The abductors didn’t say how much money they want.The police started an extensive search for the baby, immediately after the abduction. Policemen walk around with a picture of the baby, showing it to people on the street, in taxis and on buses. Checkpoints have been set up throughout the city, in the bus terminal and on the airport. “Plan Lock”, as the operation is called, is to prevent the baby is taken outside the city.The person who can lead the authorities to the baby’s abductors is promised a 20 million peso (US$ 100,000) reward.
