By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan
MANILA – The Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) has recognized four personnel who foiled the attempt of six suspects to snatch an alleged Chinese criminal syndicate leader in Parañaque City.
BJMP Chief, Jail Director Ruel Rivera, awarded the Medalya ng Sugatang Magiting at Medalya ng Kagalingan on Wednesday to the four jail officers who prevented armed men from snatching Hu Yang inside the bureau’s vehicle as it traversed a service road of the Cavite Expressway (Cavitex) on April 7, according to a news release on Thursday.
The incident occurred while Hu was being transported back to his detention facility after attending a hearing at the Makati Regional Trial Court.
The suspects fired upon the BJMP transport vehicle, prompting the jail personnel to retaliate and forcing the armed men to retreat.
Hu was brought back to the jail facility.
“Ang kanilang mabilis at mahusay na tugon ay sumasalamin ng kanilang katapangan, propesyonalismo, at tunay na serbisyo-publiko (Their quick and prompt response reflects their courage, professionalism, and genuine public service),” Rivera said.
One of the fleeing vehicles collided with a tree and the suspects fled on foot toward the mangrove forest at the Las Piñas-Parañaque Wetland Park, where six of them were arrested with the assistance of the Special Weapons and Tactics (SWAT) forces.
Arrested were Filipinos James Bales Lasam, 28; Jerom Pascua Salvador, 31; Jerry Calino Escalde, 30; and John Paul Chua, 51; and Chinese nationals Yang Yang Shin and Wang Hongjie.
Recovered from the suspects were a replica grenade, several US dollar bills, a .357 Magnum revolver containing live ammunition, one fired cartridge case, and suspected illegal drugs and drug-related paraphernalia.
Jail Officer 2 Leif Joseph Talanquines sustained a gunshot wound to the left shoulder and was taken to the Ospital ng Parañaque.
The other BJMP officers involved in the incident were unharmed and are receiving appropriate support from authorities.
NCRPO Director, Maj. Gen. Anthony Aberin, commended the Parañaque police and SWAT teams for helping foil the attempt to take away the Chinese suspect.
Aberin said Hu is an alleged leader of a criminal syndicate engaged in kidnapping, car theft, extortion, and gun-running activities.
Hu was arrested in Parañaque City last year and is reportedly wanted in China for kidnapping charges. (PNA)
