By Benjamin Pulta
MANILA – The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) on Monday announced the filing of criminal charges against four individuals who posed as law enforcers and kidnapped three foreign nationals in Nasugbu, Batangas early last month.
In a news release, the NBI and the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) reported that they filed a kidnapping for ransom case against alleged mastermind Danilo Abilong and conspiracy to commit kidnapping for ransom against Jomar Ubarde.
Accomplices John Nelson Ladrera and a certain “Erick” who remain at large, were likewise charged for their roles in the kidnapping.
Two Chinese nationals and one Korean were abducted while en route to a fishing trip on May 2, NBI Director Jaime Santiago said.
The victims were reportedly intercepted at a made-up checkpoint at the Kaybiang Tunnel near the Cavite-Batangas boundary.
Intelligence operations led to the surrender of Ubarde on May 26 at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City.
During a custodial investigation, he admitted to his participation and identified Abilong as the mastermind and Ladrera as recruiter operational assets for the actual execution of the kidnapping.
Abilong said he was promised money in exchange for his cooperation in planting a tracking device and monitoring the movements of his employer, one of the victims.
Ladrera, alias “Master,” allegedly coordinated with other individuals who posed as law enforcers. (PNA)
