Recently, the police rescued businessman William Lee Tsai and his assistant, who were kidnapped in Dagupan City, Pangasinan province on January 22.
Three suspects, including a police officer who had abandoned his post, were arrested at a checkpoint in Bokod town.
Details of the case as reported by the police:
Key to solving the case was the vehicle being stopped at the checkpoint
It is understood that the suspect vehicle was discovered at the checkpoint. The vehicle involved was a white Toyota Coaster. Upon seeing the checkpoint, the vehicle attempted to turn around, prompting the police to intercept it.
During the inspection, the police found two victims in the back seat of the vehicle, handcuffed and blindfolded. The suspects were immediately arrested.
The Bokod town police stated in a declaration on January 25 (Saturday): "The rescued victims were immediately taken to Dennis Molintas District Hospital (DMDH) for medical assistance, and then brought to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad headquarters for further assistance in the investigation. Initially, the suspects were taken to the Bokod town police station for case registration, and then transferred to the Anti-Kidnapping Squad for proper handling during the filing of the case."
The suspect, surnamed Huang, committed the crime under the pretext of discussing business
It was reported that someone had filed a report stating that their husband, William Lee Tsai, had disappeared after meeting with a person named "George Huang," who allegedly intended to do business with them.
On January 20, William Lee Tsai and his assistant went to meet "George Huang" near De Venecia Road in the Tapuac District, after which they lost contact until it was confirmed that they had been kidnapped.
The police believe that the three suspects belong to a notorious kidnapping and extortion gang active in the Cagayan Valley and Central Luzon regions.
This gang is also allegedly connected to another recent kidnapping case involving a businessman.
Currently, the Philippine police are continuing to investigate the case to identify other members who assisted in the crime and the possible mastermind.
