OPERATIVES of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group have arrested five members of a kidnap-for-ransom group in a series of operations in Cainta, Rizal, the PNP announced yesterday.
The arrested suspects were led by Ramil Lagonoy Madriaga, 55, a resident of Cainta, Rizal who is the fifth most wanted person of the AKG.
Also arrested were Jaime Marcaida Patano, 53, of Iriga City; Ervyn Bernados, 32, Ronaldo Alivio, 44, and Richard Babagay, 38, all of Cainta, Rizal.
Madriaga and Patano were arrested in front of a shopping mall Wednesday last week while the three others were nabbed in a follow-up operation later that day.
The PNP said the five, all members of the Madriaga kidnap-for-ransom group, were nabbed by virtue of arrest warrants issued by a Manila court for kidnapping for ransom.
In a statement, PNP Public Information Office chief Brig. Gen. Redrico Maranan said the group is “among the most perilous criminal syndicates in recent police records and has been under thorough investigation for several months.
“Infamous for their audacious acts of violence and their involvement in a series of abhorrent crimes throughout the region, this group’s activities have caused the loss of innocent lives, including the tragic demise of a respected officer from the AKG during a confrontation with the criminals,” added Maranan.
Maranan said the arrest of the five “sends a resolute message to criminal organizations that their malevolent actions will not go unpunished, and justice will invariably prevail.”
Maranan said the AKG believes the arrest of the five dealt a “substantial blow” to the kidnap-for-ransom group and “will significantly impede its (group) operation.”
PNP chief Gen. Benjamin Acorda Jr. commended the AKG personnel for their “exceptional work” that led to the arrest of the five suspects, saying: “Their unwavering commitment and relentless efforts have contributed to upholding the law and ensuring the safety of our citizens.”
