Ex-policeman behind the foiled P5-million kidnapping of businessman cousin, arrested
- A 59-year-old businessman was rescued within 10 hours after being abducted at gunpoint from his warehouse in Cabanatuan City
- The mastermind was identified as the victim’s cousin, an AWOL police officer who allegedly demanded P5 million to pay for medical bills
- The kidnapping attempt was foiled after the suspects’ getaway vehicle figured in a hit-and-run and suffered a flat tire
- Police arrested the ex-cop in Bulacan while he was allegedly trying to sell the victim’s stolen cellphone to fund his escape
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In a shocking betrayal of blood ties, a 59-year-old businessman was rescued by police on January 26, 2026, after being abducted in Cabanatuan City.
Source: UGC
The alleged mastermind behind the P5-million ransom plot was none other than the victim’s own cousin, a former police officer who had recently gone absent without leave (AWOL).
The ordeal began at approximately 7:52 a.m. Monday at the victim’s warehouse in Barangay Kapitan Pepe.
CCTV footage captured three hooded men waiting outside the property. As the businessman arrived in his red Toyota pickup truck, the suspects pounced, forcing him back into the vehicle at gunpoint.
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The abduction, however, was far from a "clean" operation. As the suspects sped away, they were involved in a hit-and-run incident in Barangay Bakod Bayan that left two civilians injured.
The reckless driving and the accident drew the ire of local residents, who reportedly pelted the fleeing vehicle with stones.
Shortly after, the pickup truck suffered a flat tire, forcing the kidnappers to abandon the vehicle and flee on foot with their captive.
The Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO), led by Police Colonel Heryl Bruno, launched a swift "hot pursuit" operation.
Within ten hours, the battered and traumatized victim was found and safely recovered in a residential area of Barangay Bakod Bayan.
The investigation quickly led to San Miguel, Bulacan, where the 49-year-old mastermind was arrested while allegedly attempting to sell the victim's stolen mobile phone.
Under questioning, the ex-cop admitted to the crime, citing a deep-seated grudge fueled by financial desperation.
He claimed he reached out to his wealthy cousin for help with his sick wife’s medical bills but was repeatedly ignored.
"Hindi sir, hindi ko inutos na saktan dahil pinsan ko yun eh," the suspect claimed in Filipino. "Ang sabi ko lang, takutin lang para magbigay ng pera. Pera lang ang kailangan natin eh kako."
Follow-up operations resulted in the arrest of two other accomplices in Cabanatuan and Palayan City.
All three suspects now face formal charges of kidnapping under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Col. Bruno condemned the misuse of police training for criminal gain, stating, "The authority gained from service is meant to protect the public, not to be exploited for crime." The victim is currently recovering in a hospital, receiving treatment for physical injuries and the emotional trauma of the betrayal.
In other news, a female pedestrian, identified as "Princess," was struck on January 26 by a barangay ambulance traveling against traffic on the Batasan-San Mateo Road. The high-impact accident occurred as the victim crossed the street; a stationary van reportedly blocked her sight of the oncoming emergency vehicle. Driver Manuel Busto Jr. halted immediately to assist the victim, transporting her for medical treatment and committing to settle all hospital invoices. Local authorities from Barangay Ampid Uno are reviewing the driver’s operational status and evaluating safety protocols following the viral footage of the crash.
Still in other news, an alleged drug dealer, alias "Tol," was killed on January 27, 2026, after a high-stakes chase from Bacoor culminated in a gunfight in Kawit. During a botched buy-bust operation, the suspect reportedly overpowered intelligence officers and commandeered their unmarked car to evade arrest. The fleeing suspect caused several injuries to civilians after ramming through two motorcycles, a tricycle, and an SUV while attempting to escape. Law enforcement neutralized the suspect near Marulas Bridge after he allegedly ignored surrender calls and opened fire on cornering tactical units.
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Source: KAMI.com.gh
