Five arrested in foiled try to abduct Malaysian businessman in Tarlac

Arrested. INQUIRER.net stock photo

MANILA, Philippines — Five people, including a Malaysian, have been arrested over an alleged attempt to abduct another Malaysian in Tarlac, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said Thursday.

The PNP said in a statement that the arrest of the suspects was made possible after a security guard who witnessed the purported kidnapping of a Malaysian businessman promptly reported the incident to the municipal police.

According to authorities, suspects Carmelito Damuya De la Cruz, 58; Alexander Meyer Sumagay, 40; John Rey Perez Valderama, 26 and Obet Endrada Tobias, 40, and Malaysian national Der Jien Chiw, 33, were collared in Barangay Anupul, Bamban town in Tarlac on Wednesday.

Police did not name the male Malaysian businessman, but narrated that he was driving his SUV along McArthur Highway at around 12:30 a.m. when the suspects’ vehicle blocked his path.

“Initial investigation further revealed that suspects forcibly entered the victim’s vehicle and tried to abduct the victim. However, the duty security guards of the establishment where the victim works noticed the commotion, and immediately called the assistance of Bamban Municipal Police Station,” the PNP said.

PNP chief PGen Rodolfo  Azurin Jr. said the police will conduct further investigation to verify the motive behind the incident.

“Due to swift action of our PNP personnel, the victim was successfully rescued and the five suspects were apprehended,” he said.

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