Anti-kidnapping operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) rescued two Chinese-Filipino in an operation in Rizal which resulted in the death of two of their captors on Tuesday morning, June 14.
PNP Officer-In-Charge Lt. Gen. Vicente Danao Jr. said the gun battle also resulted in the wounding of once policeman.
Dano said the victims, a 21- year old student and his a 34-year old businessman cousin, were kidnapped in Tondo, Manila on June 4.
Initially, the the kidnappers demanded P100 million ransom for the safe release of the hostages but it was reduced after the negotiations.
Police Brig. Gen. Rudolph Dimas, director of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, said the victims' family sought their assistance immediately after the incident.
A breakthrough in the investigation came when the kidnappers agreed with the counter offer by the victims’ family.
A ransom pay-off was set in Calamba City, Laguna but was later diverted to Pakil, Laguna where the kidnappers received the ransom while the victims were freed in Famy, Laguna.
Danao said PNP-AKG operatives tracked down the kidnappers’ getaway vehicle somewhere in Pililia, Rizal where an armed encounter ensued.
“The timely report of the victims’ family to the police allowed the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group to take immediate action on the case to secure the safe rescue of the victims,” said Danao.
“What is more significant here is the cooperation of the victim’s family with the police that led to the early solution of the case and safe rescue of the victims,” he added.
The recovered pieces of evidence are now under the custody of the Forensic Group for examination.
Meanwhile, the cadavers of the two kidnappers identified through their ID cards as Rolly Castillo and Jerameel Ventura were brought to the Valencia Funeral Service in Pililia, Rizal.