CAMP VICENTE LIM, Laguna – Three policemen assigned to the Calamba City, Laguna Police Office are under investigation for their alleged involvement in the kidnapping of a 54-year-old man in Los Banos, Laguna on March 26.
The Police Regional Office 4-A led by Police Brig. Gen. Paul Kenneth Lucas ordered on Tuesday, April 9, a comprehensive investigation on the incident.
The Los Baños Police Station said Erwin Española Magbanua reported that his youngest brother, Randy Magbanua, from Barangay Lalakay, Los Banos, has been missing since March 26.
Randy was last seen on the national road in Barangay Lalakay.
Police conducted an investigation and backtracking of surveillance footage on the national highway and adjacent areas.
They found out that Randy was abducted by eight individuals on board a black Toyota Wigo and motorcycle. The suspects fled towards Calamba City.
Follow-up investigation resulted in a witness identifying two Persons of Interest (POI) – Burda and Naredo. Six other POIs are under investigation for possible proof of identity.
The Laguna Police Provincial Office found out that three POIs were police officers based on witness and surveillance footage in area.
They were assigned to the Calamba City Police Station and immediately relieved from their posts and placed under the Provincial Headquarters Administrative Holding Center pending investigation.
Lucas ordered a deeper probe into the roles and actions of the three lawmen.
“We are committed to leaving no stone unturned in the pursuit of truth and justice for the families of the missing persons. Every effort is being made to ascertain the whereabouts and ensure the safety of the missing individual, and those responsible for any wrongdoing will be brought to justice,” Lucas said.
Police are also determining if the three police officers are linked to another missing persons incident in Calamba City.