Anti-kidnapping operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) have busted what they describe as a notorious kidnap-for-ransom (KFR) group during a raid on their alleged safe house in Cainta, Rizal.
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda, Jr. said the operation stemmed from an intelligence report that the Madriaga KFR group would regroup to carry out another kidnapping job.
Those arrested were Ramil Madriaga, 55, the alleged leader of the group and is number five in the list of most wanted person of the PNP-Anti-Kidnapping Group; Jaime Patano. 53; Ervyn Bernados, 32; Ronaldo Alivio, 44; Richard Babagay, 38.
Acorda said all the suspects were arrested based on warrants of arrest for two cases of Kidnapping for Ransom with no bail recommended.
A PNP intelligence report stated that the Madriaga Kidnap for Ransom Group stands as among the most perilous criminal syndicates in recent police records and has been under thorough investigation for several months.
“Infamous for their audacious acts of violence and their involvement in a series of abhorrent crimes throughout the region, this group's activities have caused the loss of innocent lives, including the tragic demise of a respected officer from the AKG during a confrontation with the criminals,” the report read.
The arrested individuals are under police custody at the AKG Headquarters for documentation and temporary detention until their return to the issuing court, along with the Warrants of Arrest.