7 PDEA agents relieved from posts, charged for kidnapping foreigner

Seven Philippine Drug Enforcement Agency (PDEA)-Region 3 agents were temporarily relieved from their posts and charged for allegedly kidnapping and robbing a Chinese citizen.

According to Glen Juego’s Tuesday report on Super Radyo dzBB, the Chinese victim filed a complaint with the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) after he was kidnapped at a mall parking lot in Pasay City last July 31.

The alleged kidnappers introduced themselves as PDEA agents, which prevented the mall security guard from taking action during the incident, the report said.

The suspects transacted with the family and colleagues of the Chinese national and asked them for P15 million in exchange for his release, the report added.

The foreigner was blindfolded and reportedly brought to the regional office of the PDEA in Angeles City, Pampanga.

According to the victim, he was surprised that he was fingerprinted for allegedly selling illegal drugs.

The victim was then brought to Angeles City Jail on August 10, prompting his kin to report the incident to the PNP-AKG.

On August 16, the victim testified before the authorities that his wife transferred P1.3 million to an account number. The amount did not include the P300,000 the kidnappers got from him.

Authorities also secured a copy of the CCTV footage taken at the locations where the victim was brought to by the suspects.

PNP-AKG Director Police Brigadier General Cosme Abrenica also told Super Radyo dzBB that other “John Does” were also charged with kidnapping for ransom, serious illegal detention, and robbery.

Meanwhile, the PDEA assured that it would cooperate with the Department of Justice-Task Force on Anti-Kidnapping's preliminary investigation of the incident.

“Irrespective of the outcome of the investigation, PDEA remains committed to performing its mandate within the limits of the law,” the statement read. — DVM, GMA Integrated News