Cop, cohort arrested for alleged kidnapping in Manila

MANILA, Philippines — A policeman and his cohort were arrested in Manila on Friday for allegedly kidnapping a man accused of possessing shabu.

A report from the Manila Police District’s (MPD) Ermita Police Station (PS-5) released on Saturday identified the suspects as Patrolman Wilfredo Mindanao, currently assigned at the Police Security Protection Group, and a certain Romeo Aday.

Initial investigation showed that at about 6:30 a.m. on Friday, Aday approached the victim Jovito Abejo who was then under the Trece De Agosto Bridge, introduced himself as a member of the National Bureau of Investigation, and said that he saw Abejo holding a sachet of suspected shabu.

“Thereafter, victim was brought by the suspects to their abode (residence) and extorted money in exchange of his liberty,” the police report read.

According to Ermita police, a vendor reported the alleged kidnapping to the Paz Police Community Precinct (PCP) at about 8 a.m. and said the suspects were demanding P50,000 for Abejo’s liberty. Her relationship with the victim was not immediately identified.

Upon receiving the report, police officers from Paz PCP proceeded to Paco area where the victim was being locked up and arrested the suspects. Police confiscated a plastic sachet that contains around one gram of suspected shabu and three cell phones.

The victim and the suspects were then brought to the Ermita Police Station for documentation.

“Suspects and victim will be turned over to GAI-CIS, MPD for proper disposition, and Crime Laboratory, Camp Crame for turn over of seized drug and drug test.

“Nonetheless, suspects will be charged for the Alleged Serious Illegal Detention (Kidnapping), Usurpation of Authority, and Violation of Section 11 Article Il of Republic Act No. 9165. Same will be presented at Manila City Prosecutor’s Office for proper evaluation of the case,” police said in their report.

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