Benguet police rescue kidnapped businessman and caretaker in Pangasinan; One of three abductors is ex-cop

Benguet, Philippines – A businessman and his caretaker in Pangasinan who were kidnapped were saved from possible dismal fate after the swift response of the cops manning the Comelec checkpoint in Bokod, Benguet last week intercepted the kidnappers. 

Police said the victims – a 59-year-old businessman and his 55-year-old caretaker – were forcibly taken by their abductors after they were lured into a meeting with a supposed buyer of a property on January 22 in San Fabian, Pangasinan.

Upon being notified of the alleged abduction, the authorities launched a hot pursuit operation, alerting police officers in neighboring areas.

Apprised of the incident in Pangasinan, the cops who were manning the Comelec checkpoint in Sitio Gurel in Poblacion, Bokod approached a white Toyota Innova they spotted near the checkpoint on January 23.

The Police Regional Office CAR described that the police officers took note of the suspicious behavior of the car’s occupants during tactical engagement and that they immediately arrested the three suspects upon noticing one of the restrained victims inside the vehicle.

The 59-year-old businessman and his aid were rescued, while their three abductors ages 30, 44, and 47 were taken to Bokod Municipal Police Station before they were transferred to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group Headquarters at Camp Crame in Quezon City.

One of the three was identified as an AWOL cop.

On January 24, two more suspects tagged in the kidnapping incident were intercepted at another checkpoint in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.