The police arrested another suspect in the kidnap of a Filipino-Chinese trader, who was rescued after 17 days in captivity.
Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Deputy Director General Jesus Verzosa identified the suspect as Ryan Domla, a native of Cotabato City, who was arrested several hours after members of the Police Anti-Crime and Emergency Response (PACER) rescued Ka Kuen Chua.
“PACER elements were in the area for follow-up operations when Domla crossed the police line. When asked by police investigators he admitted he was with the group,” PACER chief Senior Superintendent Leonardo Espina said.
Espina said Domla was a companion of Christopher Nanson, who was arrested as the PACER rescued Chua last Saturday in Barangay Gulod, Novaliches, Quezon City. Another suspect was killed during the police operations.
The PACER chief said charges of kidnapping for ransom have been filed against Domla and Nanson before the Department of Justice, while the police are conducting a massive manhunt against four other suspects.
Chua, who met with Verzosa and Espina yesterday, personally thanked the PNP for his safe rescue and the arrest of the suspects.
“I am here, able to face everyone, because of one main reason – that the people behind the campaign of our government against organized crime are efficient and effective in carrying out their responsibilities,” Chua said, referring to Verzosa, Espina, PACER deputy chief for administration Senior Superintendent Edgar Iglesia and PACER deputy chief for operations Senior Superintendent Marcelo Morales.
Chua also thanked the Movement for Restoration of Peace and Order (MRPO) led by Teresita Ang-See.
Verzosa said PACER was supported by the Joint Special Operations Group and the Intelligence Service of the Armed Forces of the Philippines, as well as the Quezon City Police District in rescuing Chua.
“While the scourge of kidnapping for ransom has been significantly diminished in recent years with the fall of the more notorious syndicates, still we cannot afford to lower our guard and our determination to completely run these kidnappers to the ground,” he said.