‘Leader of police kidnap gang identified’

MANILA, Philippines — A Filipino posing as an officer of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) allegedly orchestrated the kidnapping of two Chinese in Pasay reportedly perpetrated by members of the Philippine National Police, PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil disclosed yesterday.

Marbil said the suspect is the mastermind of a kidnap ring targeting foreigners in Metro Manila.

“He is a civilian presenting himself as an immigration officer. Maybe he has assets and financial capabilities,” Marbil told reporters.

Immigration Commissioner Norman Tansingco said Badando is not an employee of the BI.

Marbil did not name the suspect, but an investigation report identified him as Marion Badando.

Earlier, Interior and Local Government Secretary Benhur Abalos tagged Badando as among the civilians who are part of the kidnapping group.

Marbil said they are investigating if the group – composed of four police officers and 10 civilians – are involved in four other kidnapping cases with the same modus operandi.

The PNP Internal Affairs Service (IAS) has started its investigation of the policemen implicated in the kidnapping.

Maj. Christel Carlo Villanueva, M/Sgt. Angelito David, S/Sgt. Ralph Tumanguil and M/Sgt. Ricky Tabora are facing criminal and administrative cases, according to IAS inspector general Brigido Dulay.

“We will not hesitate to dismiss them from the police service if the evidence warrants. The PNP has no place for criminals in uniform within its ranks,” he said.