10 fake NBI agents held for kidnap of Chinese

MANILA, Philippines — Ten people posing as agents of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) were arrested after they allegedly kidnapped a Chinese businessman at Ayala Alabang Village in Muntinlupa City on Tuesday.

Taken into police custody were David Liao, 46, a Filipino-Chinese agent of a travel agency; Fritz Ian Cafino, 33; Ronaldo Zuniega, 33; Andy Sy, 50; Erlino Auditor, 48; Roderick Ensano, 48; Bienvinido Vildad Jr. 47; Ernesto Baay, 45; Roberto Pacis, 65, and Jonathan Salud, 46.

Southern Police District director Brig. Gen. Kirby John Kraft said five other suspects, one of whom was identified as Jose Romel Congreso, 50, managed to escape and are being hunted by authorities.

Police said the suspects, who were in two sport utility vehicles, arrived at one of the gates of the upscale neighborhood at around 9:30 a.m.

Security guards manning the gate allowed the suspects to enter the subdivision after they introduced themselves as NBI agents, saying they would visit their friends at a house along Maria Cristina street.

But the suspects proceeded to another house along Country Club Drive street and forcibly opened the gate.

The suspects then held the owner of the house, a 33-year-old Chinese businessman, and demanded P40 million.

Kraft said the victim’s ordeal ended at around 7 p.m. when the businessman’s driver discreetly called the village’s security guards.

Security guards rushed to the house and apprehended 10 of the suspects.

The suspects underwent inquest proceedings before the Parañaque prosecutor’s officer for serious illegal detention, attempted robbery, usurpation of authority and trespass to dwelling.

Kraft lauded the security guards for their prompt response.