A police officer was arrested for allegedly kidnapping a nine-year-old girl in Labrador, Pangasinan on Feb. 26.
Investigation said the victim was walking home from a store when a black vehicle stopped in front of her.
The suspect opened the door, forcibly pulled the victim inside, sped away, and left her in Bugallon, Pangasinan where she was rescued.
The victim, who was screaming and crying inside the vehicle, noticed a police uniform hanging in the back, and positively identified the suspect from photographs of police officers shown to her.
Police confirmed the identity of the suspect and the victim positively identified him again during a lineup at the Sual, Pangasinan police station.
The suspect was arrested and placed under the custody of the Labrador police station.
Police Col. Arbel Mercullo, Pangasinan police director, reiterated their commitment to protecting children, strictly enforcing the law, and not tolerating violations within their ranks.
The Philippine National Police said a formal complaint for kidnapping and serious illegal detention were filed before the Prosecutor’s Office in Lingayen, Pangasinan against the suspect.