In a successful police operation, a 59-year-old businessman and his caretaker from Pangasinan were rescued from kidnappers. The rescue occurred late Thursday afternoon when police intercepted the abductors’ vehicle at a checkpoint in Bokod, Benguet. The Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), along with police from Pangasinan and Nueva Vizcaya, executed the operation around 5:45 pm, leading to the safe recovery of the victims and the arrest of three suspects.
Further operations on Friday resulted in the apprehension of two additional suspects in Nueva Vizcaya, who were found in a silver Toyota Grandia van. The suspects hail from Tinoc, Ifugao, and Kayapa, Nueva Vizcaya. The victims were taken to the AKG Headquarters in Quezon City for further assistance, while the suspects were initially detained at local police stations before being transferred to the AKG Headquarters for processing.
Among the items seized from the suspects were a Galil firearm with ammunition, a .9mm Taurus pistol with ammunition, various Philippine National Police uniforms, and multiple identification cards. The kidnapping stemmed from a deceptive meeting arranged by a man posing as a buyer for a piece of land owned by the businessman. The businessman’s vehicle was later found abandoned in Rosario, La Union.
AKG Director Col. Elmer Ragay praised the collaborative efforts of the law enforcement teams involved, emphasizing their commitment to public safety. Pangasinan Police Director Col. Rollyfer Capoquian described the incident as isolated, noting that the swift resolution within 24 hours was aided by public cooperation.