The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) rescued a 21-year-old student who was abducted at their place in Barangay Mariana, Quezon City on December 31.
CCTV footage showed the victim was riding his bicycle when the suspect riding in a van blocked him at a corner.
The kidnappers asked P200 million in exchange for student release. But it was later reduced to P1.5 million after negotiations.
The pay-off took place on January 5 in Bustos, Bulacan and at the same time, the victim was released in Ermita, Manila.
After that, the police invited the owner of the pickup used to collect the ransom money. She was identified as Ma. Rachel Gonzales.
According to the victim, Gonzales was involved in the kidnapping.
The victim’s alleged guard at the safe house where he was hidden was also arrested.
According to the PNP-AKG, it is possible that the suspects have other targets.
“Napag-alaman natin ang target nila ay isang mayaman din diyan sa New Manila, eh ito nakita nila pakalat-kalat, nagbibisekleta, Chinese-looking kaya kinuha na nila… Itong white van inarkilahan lang nila ‘yan,” said Police Maj. Ronnie Lumactod, public information officer of PNP-AKG.
So far, the case has been filed against another suspect and the victim has also been subjected to debriefing.
The PNP-AKG is still pursuing 5 to 6 suspects, including the alleged mastermind in the kidnapping.
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Former police officer shot dead in Zamboanga
A former policeman and his companion were killed in Barangay Maasin, Zamboanga City, Monday night.
Police identified the former cop as Wilfrido Montuno, 54, and his companion as Jose Buhat.
According to the police investigation, the victims were on their way home on a motorcycle when the shooting happened.
The victims sustained injuries to various parts of their bodies.
The perpetrators also escaped immediately.
The Philippine National Police is continuing its investigation to determine the motive for the shooting and the identity of the perpetrators.