1 month ago
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DAGUPAN CITY — A coordinated effort by the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) and local police forces led to the safe rescue of a 59-year-old businessman and his caretaker, as well as the arrest of several suspects involved in their abduction on Jan. 23 and 24, 2025.
The victims, identified as William Lee Chua, a businessman from San Fabian, Pangasinan, and Arturo Bautista, his caretaker from Mangaldan, Pangasinan, were abducted in Dagupan City on Jan. 22, 2025.
They were lured into a meeting with a supposed buyer of a property but were forcibly taken after the meeting near the Solid North Terminal in Barangay Tapuac.
The abduction was reported by Chua's wife, Mary Grace Almendarez Chua, who promptly sought assistance from trusted individuals, including retired Gen. Harris Fama and Barangay councilman Leo Cuaton.
The swift collaboration between the family, community leaders, and law enforcement played a vital role in the operation.
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The PNP-AKG Luzon Field Unit, under Police Colonel Jeff Fanged, immediately launched a search operation.
The first breakthrough occurred on Jan. 23, 2025, when a white Toyota Innova carrying the victims and some suspects was intercepted at a checkpoint in Bokod, Benguet.
This operation resulted in the safe rescue of the victims and the arrest of three suspects. A .45 caliber pistol was also recovered from the suspects.
Follow-up operations continued the next day.
On Jan. 24, 2025, at about 6:10 a.m., a silver Toyota Grandia van was intercepted at another checkpoint in Bayombong, Nueva Vizcaya.
Two additional suspects were arrested, and law enforcement recovered a Galil firearm with two magazines and 29 live rounds, a 9mm Taurus pistol with three magazines and 29 live rounds, assorted PNP uniforms, and multiple identification cards.
The operation was a collaborative effort among the Police Regional Offices of Cordillera Autonomous Region (PRO-Car), Region 1 (PRO-1), and Region 2 (PRO-2).
The suspects were initially detained in Bokod Municipal Police Station and Bayombong Municipal Police Station before being transferred to AKG Headquarters at Camp BGen Rafael Crame for further investigation.
No ransom was reportedly paid.
Documentation and further investigations are underway.
PCol. Elmer Ragay, director of the PNP-AKG, lauded the swift and decisive action of all personnel involved.
He highlighted the importance of collaboration among law enforcement units and the community, emphasizing the PNP's commitment to protecting the public.
"We will continue to uphold integrity and work with dedication so the public gets the safety they deserve," Ragay said.
The victims' family, meanwhile, expressed gratitude for the successful rescue operation and the efforts of Fama, Cuaton and the PNP-AKG.
This incident underscores the critical role of swift communication and collaboration in addressing emergencies, Ragay said.
