PNP rescues kidnapped driver, arrests 6 suspects

Operatives of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued a missing Grab driver and arrested six suspects linked to the kidnapping.

Eugene Santos, 39, a Grab driver, was rescued in an operation along Arnaiz Avenue in Pasay City on September 6 together with another victim identified as Allan Bangug, according to a report of the AKG public information office.

Santos was forcibly taken by the suspects in the evening of September 5 and was told to produce P1.8 million or a land title. Earlier, the victim borrowed P2 million from one of the suspects to be used for his buy and sell business.

Santos and the suspects were on their way to a coffee shop at a hotel casino in Pasay to meet with the victim's family, who was bringing a land title in exchange of his release.  But before reaching the area, operatives chanced upon their vehicle and conducted the rescue.

Arrested were Reynaldo Parolina, 41; Rico Castillo, 45; Nathaniel Aragon, 35; Christopher Bagro, 38; Francis Reyes, 41; and, Melvin Culala, 39.

Seized from the suspects were a firearm and ammunition.  

On September 7, inquest proceeding was conducted against the six suspects who are facing charges of kidnapping for ransom with serious illegal detention and violation of the comprehensive law on firearms and ammunition. —LDF, GMA News