In the early hours of Monday (June 17), a kidnap for ransom incident occurred in Barangay Sta. Ana, Taguig City. The victim, identified as a 19-year-old Chinese national residing in Manila, positively identified his captors with the help of a witness and social media exploitation.

During the course of investigation, it was revealed that the victim met alias Izzy through a messaging app and they agreed to meet-up at a fast food in Brgy. Tuktukan, Taguig City. Victim was brought by Izzy to her house in Brgy. Sta. Ana, Taguig City. Upon arriving at Izzy’s residence, he saw five male individuals who started to beat him and then he was blindfolded and restrained. The suspects demanded a ransom of ₱5,000,000.00 from the victim’s father in exchange of his son’s liberty. After negotiations, the ransom was reduced to ₱1.1 million.

The suspects arranged for the ransom to be collected by alias Sean, at a mall in Bonifacio Global City. Following the exchange, the victim was transported to Angono, Rizal, where he was released. Victim reported the incident to PS 11 of MPD and was later referred to Taguig City Police Station.

A swift and coordinated follow-up operation resulted in the arrest of two suspects alias Erwin 30, and alias Richard 36. A caliber .38 revolver with five live rounds was also recovered. The victim positively identified these suspects along with five others who remain at large.

The operation was overseen by PBGEN LEON VICTOR ZAMORA ROSETE, District Director and PLTCOL ROSSEL ICEJAS of the Luzon Field Unit, Anti-Kidnapping Action Team.

Complaint for violation of Art 267 of the Revised Penal Code (Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention), and RA 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) were formally filed against the suspects before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office through an e-inquest conducted by SACP Michael R. Edquilag on June 18, 2024

The Southern Police District continue to investigate and pursue the remaining suspects to bring them to justice. The authorities urge anyone with information about the suspects at-large to come forward.