Policeman, brother involved in Pasay kidnapping case face raps

Southern Police District (SPD) Director Brig. Gen. Roderick Mariano has ordered the immediate filing of several charges against a policeman and his brother who kidnapped and illegally detained a female Chinese national.

Mariano said the suspects, identified as SSgt. Lordgrin Figueroa, 39, who claimed to be assigned at the Pasay Criminal Investigation and Detection Group; and his brother "Nelson," 20, were detained at the police custodial facility. 

They will be facing charges for Illegal Detention, Robbery Extortion, violations of Republic Act (RA) 10591 (Comprehensive Law on Firearm and Ammunition) in relation to RA 7166 (Omnibus Election Code), Falsification of Public Documents, and Article 179 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) (Illegal Use of PNP Uniform).

According to reports, the brothers were arrested on Sunday, Sept. 3, at around 10:48 p.m. inside Qing Qing hotel located along Figueroa St., Barangay 74, Pasay City.

The SPD chief said the Pasay police, under the supervision of city police chief, Col. Froilan Uy, conducted a rescue operation of a 26-year-old female Chinese national who was allegedly detained by the suspects inside the hotel room. 

The suspects reportedly attempted to extort money amounting to ₱500,000 for her release.

Mariano said a friend of the victim, a 34-year-old Malaysian national, sought police assistance and reported the incident on Sept. 4. 

The informant provided the Pasay police with a photo of the victim in handcuffs, a PNP ID belonging to a certain PMSG John Reggie Reyes, and text messages from the suspects demanding for the P500,000 ransom money.

The SPD chief said the rescue operation was immediately conducted, leading to the arrest of the suspects.

Recovered from the suspects were one 9mm Taurus with serial number TBW77621  a property of PNP, one magazine loaded with 14 live ammunition, a PNP ID, wallet, 14 pieces of ₱1000 bills, five assorted identification cards, and three cellphones.

"As members of the PNP,  we are committed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety and security of all citizens and visitors. We do not tolerate any form of wrongdoing or abuse of authority by our members. We will continue to take swift action against any individuals within our ranks who engage in criminal activities. Many of our police personnel are still excellent public servants who are eager to assist and serve their fellow Filipinos outside of the scope of their duties.” Mariano said.