12/08/2026
CHINESE BUSINESSMAN ESCAPES KIDNAPPERS; 4 SUSPECTS ARRESTED IN PAMPANGA
The Philippine National Police, under the command of PNP Chief PGEN Jose Melencio C. Nartatez Jr., secured the safety of a Chinese businessman and arrested four alleged kidnap-for-ransom suspects following anti-kidnapping operations in Pampanga on August 4, 2026.
The 37-year-old victim was forcibly taken by five armed men on August 2 along Friendship Highway in Angeles City, Pampanga, after a white van blocked his vehicle while he was leaving a supermarket parking area. He was then forced into the suspects’ vehicle and brought to an undisclosed location.
The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP AKG) immediately took action after the victim’s younger sister filed a complaint on August 3 following repeated threats and ransom demands. During communications with the victim’s family, the suspects demanded USDT 1,000,000.00 in exchange for the victim’s release and threatened to harm him if the demand was not met within the specified period.
In the early hours of August 4, information emerged that the victim had escaped from captivity. PNP AKG operatives promptly validated the information and conducted extensive efforts to locate him, eventually securing the victim unharmed and free from serious injury.
With the victim safely secured, pursuit teams immediately worked to identify and locate those responsible for the kidnapping. The operation resulted in the arrest of three male and one female suspects, who were placed under the custody of the PNP AKG.
An inquest proceeding was conducted on August 5 before the Department of Justice in Manila in connection with the case for Kidnapping for Ransom and Serious Illegal Detention.
“We will not allow kidnapping groups to operate with impunity. Every lead will be pursued, and those responsible will be made to face the consequences of their actions,” PGen Nartatez said.
“Mahalaga sa atin ang kaligtasan ng biktima. Sa bawat ganitong insidente, gagawin natin ang nararapat upang maprotektahan ang buhay at mapanagot ang mga gumagawa ng krimen,” he added.
The operation demonstrates the PNP Focused Agenda, a framework for transformation designed to strengthen police service through decisive and accountable law enforcement. It reinforces the key priority of Enhanced Managing Police Operations, particularly in responding to serious criminal threats and safeguarding victims.
As the PNP strengthens its campaign against kidnapping and other serious crimes under the directive of President Ferdinand R. Marcos Jr., it assures the public of “Bagong PNP para sa Bagong Pilipinas: Serbisyong Mabilis, Tapat, at Nararamdaman.”
(PNP-PIO)
