4 cops arrested over kidnapping of foreign nationals in Pasay

Four cops were arrested for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of four foreign nationals in Pasay City, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said on Wednesday.

“This incident is a serious breach of public trust and the core values of the police force. The Philippine National Police (PNP) will not tolerate any misconduct within their ranks,” Abalos said at a press briefing in Camp Crame.

“They are committed to transparency throughout the investigation and prosecution process and will provide regular updates to ensure all developments are communicated effectively,” he added.

The suspects were identified as Police Major Christel Carlo Villanueva, Police Senior Master Sergeant Angelito David, Police Master Sergeant Ricky Tabora, and Police Staff Sergeant Ralph Tumanguil.

The suspects, who were presented to the media during the press briefing, are designated in Makati City, Pasay City, and the National Capital Region Police Office (NCRPO).

On June 2, Abalos said, the four foreign nationals were in their vehicle when some cops on Philippine National Police (PNP) motorcycles flagged them down on Taft Avenue. A white van was also behind their vehicle.

According to a 24 Oras report by Maki Pulido on Wednesday, spotters allegedly identify the victims, who would then be told that they had to be arrested for immigration issues.

“Pagkatapos bumababa at kinuha yung apat na dayuhan [Then, the cops alighted the motorcycle and took the foreign nationals]. They abducted the four individuals,” Abalos said.

Two of the victims were able to escape and sought help from the police.

The two others, who sustained injuries, were released after a P2.5-million ransom was given to the kidnappers.

The police launched an operation to capture the suspects.

One of the suspects named his accomplices after he was identified off of a CCTV video.

“Talagang sindikato talaga, kasi nagsama-sama yan,” said PNP Chief Police General Rommel Marbil.

(They really are syndicates, because they work together.)

The suspects are facing complaints for kidnapping with ransom, robbery, and carnapping after authorities obtained evidence against them such as CCTV footage, phones, PNP-issued firearms and motorcycles.

Police are also looking into four similar cases of kidnapping that also supposedly involved the arrested police officers.

“The police major when he was arrested, tinuro mismo siya nung isang pulis [was identified by the police]. At the same  [time], when he was being investigated, tinuro din siya ng biktima mismo [the victims themselves identified him,” said NCRPO director Police Major General Jose Melencio Nartatez.

“I would like to assure our fellow Filipinos and our foreign guests in the country na everything would be safe. The police, they're all doing their job. That's why we're on top of this,” added Department of Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos said.

More suspects, including a civilian mastermind, are still at large, according to authorities. 

Initial police investigations state that no high-ranking PNP official was involved in the incident.

Meanwhile, the arrested suspects face charges of kidnapping for ransom and robbery. — with Jiselle Anne C. Casucian/RSJ/BM, GMA Integrated News