NBI agents rescue businesswoman from kidnappers

MANILA, Philippines—The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has saved a businesswoman and arrested four members of a kidnap-for-ransom group.

Lawyer Romel Vallejo, chief of the Anti-Organize Crime Division, identified those arrested as Gerald Domingo, 45, the alleged mastermind, Edwin Castro a.k.a. Orlando Sanchez and “Bong,” Emmanuel De Jesus alias Benjie and Mary Jane San Martin, 29.

The case stemmed from information that a kidnap-for-ransom group headed by Domingo is planning to kidnap Flor Ty, a casino financier at the Manila Pavillion-Casino. Based on the information, the group will demand P20 million ransom.

A surveillance operation was conducted and the authorities confirmed that the planned abduction will happen between 2 a.m. and 3 a.m. of April 15 on her way to Sta. Cruz, Manila.

At around 3 a.m. of April 15, the Pagcor black Ford Chrysler with Ty was blocked by a red Ford Lynx Sedan (XSV-574) and three armed men came out with pistols and ordered the occupants to open the door. Domingo and Mary Jane were on board Mitsubishi Lancer (VIE-999) and tailing the Pagcor car.

Then, NBI agents shouted at the suspects, but the armed men fired at the lawmen, boarded their vehicle and sped off.

A hot pursuit ensued that resulted in the arrest of the four with Castro sustaining a gunshot wound. He is currently confined at Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital.

Charges for attempted kidnapping, frustrated homicide, illegal possession of firearms and violation of Comelec gun ban will be filed before the Manila prosecutors office.