Kidnap gang busted

The alleged mastermind in the kidnapping of a Filipino-Chinese trader and his sales agent in Sta. Cruz last week, was arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) over the weekend.

NBI director Reynaldo Wycoco identified the suspect as Joel Dungo, 25, of 1311 San Nicolas corner Yakal Streets, Tondo, Manila. Dungo was arrested last Saturday by agents of the bureau’s Intelligence Division at his residence.

Wycoco said Dungo allegedly hatched the plan to kidnap businessman Elmer Uy Chan and his sales agent Rolando Estrella.

The victims were snatched by Dungo and five other men who introduced themselves as policemen last Wednesday as they were driving along Quricada corner Yakal streets in Sta. Cruz, Manila.

Chan, owner of a firm that manufactures semiconductors, had just brought his daughter to school when he was kidnapped at about 12 p.m., the NBI said.

Investigation showed the kidnappers boarded the victims’ car and drove Chan and Estrella to a safehouse in Barangay Tulaok, San Simon, Pampanga.

At about 4 p.m. that same day, Chan called-up his wife Elizabeth and told her that they have been kidnapped and that their captors are asking P10 million for their release. The NBI said the kidnappers then instructed Elizabeth to deposit an initial P100,000 at a Citibank branch which they later withdrew.

The suspects later demanded an additional P200,000 from Elizabeth which was to be deposited at another Citibank branch. It was at this time that Elizabeth sought the assistance of the NBI.

An informant later informed the NBI of Dungo’s alleged involvement in the kidnapping. Under interrogation, Dungo admitted his participation in the kidnapping and told the NBI where they are keeping the victims.

Dungo identified his cohorts as Bobong Dagdag, of Sto. Niño, San Simon, Pampanga, a certain Junior Santos, a Mimoy Nicolas, a certain Bong Negro and an alias Niño.

When NBI agents, accompanied by Dungo raided the safehouse in Pampanga, the other suspects were able to escape. Chan and Estrella, who were left behind, were then rescued by the NBI team.

Charges of kidnapping, highway robbery and car theft have been filed against Dungo and his companions who remain at-large.