Two cops, ex-NBI agent
arrested for kidnapping
The Manila Times 05/22/2005
By Florante Solmerin, Northern Luzon Bureau
CAMP FAUSTINO DY SR., Ilagan, Isabela: Two
cops and a former agent of the National Bureau of Investigation were
arrested for allegedly kidnapping and holding for ransom an Indian
in Santiago City, Sr. Supt. Napoleon Estilles, provincial police
director, reported on Saturday.
Estilles identified the arrested policemen as
Senior Police Officer 1 Benchito Cristobal and Police Officer 1
Dennis Salviejo, both detailed with the Regional Mobile Group.
The former NBI agent, Estilles said, was identified as Rosendo
Colendrino.
Another suspect, a certain Danilo from San
Antonio, Alicia, Isabela, was also arrested, Estilles added.
Echague and Santiago policemen arrested the
suspects after a brief chase that ended at a gas station in Barangay
Mabini, Santiago City.
“Recovered from the suspects was the alleged
kidnap victim named Kuldeep Singh, 23, an Indian living in Barangay
Rosario, Santiago City,” Estilles said.
Also confiscated from the suspects were one
Llama 9MM pistol with 14 live ammunition; one Cavalry .45 pistol
with 8 ammunition; one snub nosed .38 revolver with 5 bullets; an
NBI identification card and badge; empty shells of .45 pistol and a
black lighter.
Estilles said police learned of the alleged
kidnapping when two Indians sought the assistance of the Santiago
police.
“The suspects allegedly told the two Indians
where to bring the P200,000 ransom money for their friend’s
release. The Santiago City police immediately coordinated with
the Echague police to watch the ransom drop and arrest the
suspects,” Estilles said.
The ransom drop was supposed to take place at
the Asvin Restaurant in Barangay Soyung, Echague, but the suspects
changed their mind.
“The suspects changed the venue and left the
place before our operatives arrived. But our operatives knew the
type of the vehicle the suspects were using and its plate number.
The police tracked the suspects and arrested them,” Supt. Miguel
Mora, Echague police chief, said.
Estilles said the suspects are being held by the
Santiago City police pending the filing of criminal and
administrative charges against them.
