2 abducted from Laguna inn rescued; kidnap suspects nabbed

CAMP PACIANO RIZAL, Laguna—Four suspected kidnappers were arrested Sunday night after authorities foiled the supposed ransom payoff in Sta. Cruz, Laguna.

Victims Mark Christian Melicio and his friend Rhedgie Enso, both in their early 20s, were rescued unharmed after two days in captivity, said Laguna police director Senior Supt. Pascual Muñoz.

In a text message, he identified the suspects as John Brian Tobias, 28, the supposed leader of the group; Brian Gabinete, 26; Diana Hedia, 29; and Roniel Alcantara, 22.

Laguna police intelligence Chief Supt. Kirby Kraft said the victims, both from Victoria town in Laguna, were guests at a local inn in Sta. Cruz town when they were abducted last Friday. They were held captive in a residential compound also in the town.

The suspects then contacted Enso’s brother Alfie and demanded P60,000 in ransom.

“It seemed (the group) was still starting up,” Kraft said, as the ransom demand was too small for a long-time kidnapping gang.

“But they could likely turn into a big-time gang if they were not apprehended,” he said.

The brother sought help from the police, who set up the entrapment at around 11:30 p.m. Sunday.

A brief highway chase in the neighboring town of Pagsanjan followed after Tobias and Gabinete tried to flee onboard a van. But the suspects were arrested, with Melicio inside the vehicle.

Enso, on the other hand, was rescued in the Sta. Cruz compound, where the two other suspects were arrested, said Kraft.

The Sta. Cruz police on Monday filed charges of kidnapping and serious illegal detention against the suspects, Kraft said.