National Bureau of Investigation agents foiled an attempted kidnapping early Monday morning, arresting four members of a kidnap-for-ransom group in Manila.
According to the NBI, its agents were conducting surveillance based on information that a kidnap group would attempt to grab Flor Ty, a casino financier at the Manila Pavilion Casino in the Ermita district, between 2:00 a.m. and 3:00 a.m. The gang would have asked for a ransom of P20 million.
“At around 3:00 a.m. this morning, the PAGCOR black Ford Chrysler carrying the victim was blocked by a red Ford Lynx Sedan with Plate Number XSV-574 while traversing (Avenida Rizal). Three men armed with pistols jumped out of the vehicle and pointed their guns at the PAGCOR driver and ordered him to open the door as one of the gunman boarded the car,” the NBI said.
NBI agents immediately identified themselves, prompting one of the kidnappers to fire at them. The kidnappers got back in their car when the NBI agents shot back.
“A hot pursuit ensued that resulted in the arrest of suspect Emmanuel de Jesus and the recovery of the Ford Lynx which was used in the aborted kidnapping. Another suspect, Edwin Castro, was brought to Jose Reyes Memorial Hospital for medical treatment after sustaining a gunshot wound. Found beside him on the scene was a caliber.45 pistol with five live ammunitions,” the NBI said.
Gerald Domingo–the gang’s leader–and accomplice Mary Jane San Martin, who were tailing the victim’s vehicle in a separate car, were also arrested.
The kidnappers face charges for Attempted Kidnapping, Frustrated Homicide, Illegal Possession of Firearms, and violation of the election Gun Ban at the Manila City Prosecutor’s Office.
