A MANHUNT is on against three police officers tagged as members of a criminal group in the province of Laguna, Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Oscar Albayalde said Monday, August 6.
Albayalde identified the suspects as Police Officer (PO) 1 Michael Omiping Siervo, his wife Margie, PO1 Renald Carandang, PO2 Jonathan Galang and three of their unidentified cohorts.
He said all three officers have been declared Absent without leave (AWOL).
He said on Sunday, July 29, 70-year-old Bonifacia Arcita was kidnapped by unidentified men in Barangay Pansol in Calamba City, Laguna. The kidnappers demanded P300,000 for her release.
After negotiations between the kidnappers and Celestina Rodriguez, the victim’s daughter, the ransom was lowered to P120,000. An initial pay-off amounting to P20,000 was sent through electronic money transfer.
Rodriguez then sought the assistance of the police which prompted the Anti-kidnapping Group to take over the case.
AKG director Chief Superintendent Glen Dumlao said that while operating teams were conducting stakeout and surveillance operations, Rodriguez informed them that her mother was released by the kidnappers somewhere in Barangay Sto Domingo, Sta Rosa City, Laguna.
Dumlao said on August 1, the AKG operatives together with the kidnap victim conducted backtracking operations in coordination with Bay Municipal Police Station and they were able to locate the safe house where the victim was kept in Purok 4, Barangay Tranca, Bay, Laguna.
The victim positively identified the vehicle used by her abductors, a green Toyota Corolla with plate number WBH 840.
Recovered from the said safe house were assorted firearms including M203 grenade launcher, one caliber 45 pistol, one caliber 22 paltik, hand grenade and several ammunitions and magazines.
Also seized in the said house were Siervo’s police uniform along with his badge and name plate.
The recovery of the said items prompted the AKG to show the victim photos of Siervo and his wife. The victim positively identified Siervo as the leader of the group that kidnapped her.
Dumlao also said the safe house was found to be owned by the couple.
Appropriate criminal charges are being prepared against Siervo and his cohorts. (SunStar Philippines)