A businessman was forcibly taken from his home on Topacio Road, Clark Freeport, Mabalacat City, on February 9 by a group of 10 to 20 men who identified themselves as operatives of the Bureau of Immigration (BI) and National Bureau of Investigation (NBI).
The armed men stormed the victim’s residence, presented what appeared to be arrest warrants, and detained him inside his own home for an hour and a half before abducting him.
According to the victim’s foster daughter, the kidnappers demanded ₱20 million in exchange for his release.
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) immediately launched an investigation. In coordination with the Police Regional Office 3, led by Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo, Pampanga Police Col. Jay Dimaandal, and operatives from the NBI and BI, authorities also sought assistance from the Korean Embassy, headed by Consul General Seung Man Sang, to facilitate the rescue operation.
After five days of relentless follow-up operations and negotiations with a suspect known as “James,” the victim was finally released at 12:05 a.m. on Saturday at the CSM Airport Hotel Compound in Clark Freeport Zone.
The businessman recounted that he was dropped off inside the compound before the kidnapper fled in a black sedan. A PNP-AKG team immediately secured him and ensured his safety.
Authorities continue to investigate the incident and pursue the perpetrators.