Gen. Jose Melencio C. Nartatez, Jr., chief of the Philippine National Police (PNP), lauded the rescue of a 78-year old businessman in an operation that led to the death of four of his captors in a brief shootout in Parañaque City.

But Nartatez said the incident will be investigated as a matter of protocol, especially that a policeman was also injured during the firefight.

Nartatez said an investigation will be conducted to determine if procedures were followed as a matter of police protocol, especially that a policeman and four suspects were injured.

“The investigation is a protocol that we strictly follow as part of our efforts to professionalize the organization. There is no room for any lapses because lives are at stake in every police operation,” said Nartatez.

“By observing the post-investigation protocol in any operation, we are given the opportunity to correct any lapses and share the good practices in all PNP units. That is what we mean when we are talking about professionalism,” he added.

But right now, he said the priority is to identify and arrest all those responsible.

The PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group was actively involved in the planning, including the scheme that convinced the suspects that the family of the victim were cooperating and acting on their own based on their instruction.

“In cases like this, the safety of the victim is always paramount and I commend the AKG operating unit for doing exactly that. The job is not yet over since our goal is to identify, arrest and secure the conviction of all those involved,” said Nartatez.

On Wednesday night near a popular mall in Parañaque City, the suspects, however, were surprised when AKG operatives suddenly showed up and secured the 78-year old male victim.

The suspects then opened fire at AKG operatives which resulted in a brief shootout. Four of the suspected kidnappers were injured and were taken to the hospital but were declared dead on arrival.

The neutralized suspects included two dismissed policemen and Nartatez said this sent a strong message on the PNP’s commitment to run after all criminal elements, regardless of their background.

Nartatez also lauded the close coordination among PNP units that led to the good timing of the operation, particularly in rescuing the victim safely and running after the armed men.