Four Suspects Face Kidnap for Ransom Charges
Authorities have charged two Chinese nationals and two Filipinos with kidnap for ransom following the abduction of three foreign nationals in Nasugbu, Batangas last May. The four suspects are now in custody as justice authorities pursue legal action. The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) identified the Filipino suspects as Jomar P. Ubarde and Danilo L. Abilong, who worked as bodyguards for the victims and voluntarily surrendered last week.
The key four suspects face charges under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code, as amended, and Republic Act No. 9372, also known as the Human Security Act. The victims, whose identities remain confidential, were eventually released after the perpetrators received a ransom payment of $100,000.
Details of the Kidnap for Ransom Plot
Investigations revealed that the victims were abducted at a fabricated police checkpoint near the Kaybiang Tunnel, close to the Cavite-Batangas boundary. The suspects disguised themselves as law enforcement officers and forcibly took the victims under the pretext of conducting a legitimate police operation. The two Filipino suspects have made extrajudicial confessions regarding their involvement in the crime.
NBI Director Jaime B. Santiago disclosed that the two Chinese suspects, who remain unnamed, were previously apprehended for illegal firearm possession at a police checkpoint in Bacoor, Cavite. Meanwhile, the kidnap for ransom charges against them have been filed with the Quezon City Regional Trial Court.
Police Anti-Kidnapping Group Involvement
Col. David N. Poklay, director of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), confirmed, “later on we found out these two Chinese nationals ay sila po ‘yung namumuno sa grupo po kung saan po nadukot ‘yung tatlong biktima.” The PNP-AKG coordinated with the NBI after the Chinese suspects identified their Filipino accomplices.
The Chinese suspects remain detained at the Bacoor Municipal Police Station and have undergone inquest proceedings for violating the country’s Immigration Law. This case underscores the ongoing efforts of law enforcement to dismantle dangerous criminal operations.
For more news and updates on kidnap for ransom cases, visit Filipinokami.com.
