2 kidnap victims rescued, 4 suspects fall in Pangasinan

CAMP FLORENDO, La Union, Philippines – Two kidnapping and car theft victims were rescued and four suspects were arrested late Thursday in Urdaneta City, Pangasinan.

The two victims were identified as Zenaida Gaza-Lorenzo, 58, an insurance consultant who resides in Ayala Alabang; and Cecilia Gaza, 50, a resident of San Fernando, Pampanga.

Sources said the victims are said to be close relatives of a high-ranking police official based at Camp Crame.

Chief Superintendent Ramon Gatan, Ilocos regional police director, said the arrested suspects were Mark Rey Bautista, 25; Edwin Solis, 23; Jayson Ceneta, 22; and Arjay Afable, 21.

Gatan said the suspects accosted the victims at gunpoint as the latter, together with two companions, stopped by a gasoline station in Saitan, Rosario, La Union at around 4 p.m. Thursday while en route to Baguio City on board a Toyota Hi-Ace van.

The suspects ordered the victims’ companions to get out of the van and then commandeered the vehicle.

The victims’ companions immediately reported the incident to the Rosario police which, in turn, swiftly coordinated with their counterparts in Pangasinan until the vehicle was intercepted at a checkpoint in Urdaneta.

“This is a major accomplishment against kidnappers which resulted in their apprehension through the swift response of our policemen and the safe rescue of the victims,” Gatan said.

Police seized a caliber .45 pistol and two packaging tapes from the suspects. Charges of kidnapping, car theft and illegal possession of firearm were filed against them. – With Eva Visperas and Mike Frialde