DILG chief Benhur Abalos presents to the media 4 police officers who are suspects in the alleged kidnapping of a Malaysian and three Chinese on June 2, 2024. (INQUIRER.net/ FAITH ARGOSINO)
MANILA, Philippines—Four police officers were arrested and charged for the alleged kidnapping of a Malaysian and three Chinese on June 2, according to Interior Secretary Benjamin Abalos Jr.
Abalos on Wednesday said that Senior Master Sergeant Angelito David, Master Sergeant Ralph Tumangil, Staff Sergeant Ricky Tabora and Major Carlo Villanueva were charged with kidnapping for ransom, robbery and carnapping.
Two individuals identified as Marion Quiambao Badando and Roderick Valbuena, and eight others known only by their aliases remain at large, the Department of the Interior and Local Government (DILG) chief reported.
Of the four victims, Abalos said that only two Chinese, identified as Meng Zhao, 29, and Yang Zhuan Zhuan, 30, were kidnapped early Sunday morning, while the two other foreigners, Shi Yi Xuan, 32, and a 25-year-old Malaysian, Tang Heng Fei, escaped.
READ: Cops arrest 2 men for alleged kidnapping of a Chinese in Pasay City
“Ito ay nangyari ng madaling araw ng June 2, 12:20 ng umaga. Apat na dayuhan ang nasa isang Lexus na sasakyan at ito fin-lag down ng PNP motorcycle cops sa Taft Avenue sa Pasay,” Abalos said during a press briefing where he presented the suspects and victims.
(It happened early on June 2 at around 12:20 in the morning. Four foreigners were in a Lexus car, which was flagged down by PNP motorcycle cops on Taft Avenue in Pasay.)
“Itong mga pulis na ito na naka motorsiklo ay may sumusunod na white van,” he added.
(A white van was following these policemen on motorcycles.)
Citing a police report, the DILG official said the two who escaped reported the incident to barangay officials nearby.
To save their friends, Zhi and Tang paid a ransom worth P2.5 million, resulting in Meng and Yang’s release around 6 a.m. on June 3.
Upon receiving the information, National Capital Region Police Office Chief Major General Melencio Nartatez launched a search operation that led to the apprehension of the four suspects.
The Southern Police District and Anti-Kidnapping Group operatives took part in the arrest.