Anti-kidnapping cops rescue Chinese trader in Batangas, arrest 12 kidnapmen
Ant-kidnapping operatives of the Philippine National Police (PNP) arrested 12 people, including six foreigners, following a rescue operation for a Chinese businessman from the clutches of his abductors in Batangas.
PNP chief Gen. Nicolas Torre III said the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) started working on the case after it confirmed the kidnapping of the businessman in Parañaque City on July 1.
The victim was immediately taken to the suspects’ safehouse in Batangas.
“Based on our investigation it became clear the kidnapping was premeditated and carried out by a group composed of foreign and local individuals,” said Torre.
He said the victim, who was assisting a relative with a supposed car sale, met with the individuals who turned out to be part of the kidnapping operation and after gaining the victim’s trust they took control of the vehicle and demanded a large sum of money from the family in exchange for the victim’s release.
“Once the incident was report the PNP immediately activated our anti-kidnapping action team and launched a coordinated effort to other law enforcement agencies. And now, the PNP is here to report today the successful resolution of this kidnapping for ransom case,” said Torre.
"We are currently preparing the appropriate charges against those involved and out initial assessment points to a highly organized group that may also be linked to other similar incidents in the past," he added.
PNP-AKG Brig. Gen. Glicerio Cansilao said the rescue operation was conducted in the suspects’ safehouse in Sto. Tomas, Batangas, adding that other suspects were collared in follow-up operations in Makati and Pasay cities and in Imus, Cavite also on Sunday.
He said the operations led to the recovery of several vehicles used by the suspects in the kidnapping, P1 million in cash, two firearms, illegal drugs, and uniforms for policemen and security guards.
“The successful rescue of the victim is a result of the dedication and hard work of our men who work 24/7, rain or shine to ensure the safety of the victim regardless of nationality,” said Cansilao.
He said his men are conducting pursuit operations against the other suspects.