Jailed Chinese in foiled rescue try POGO ‘hitman’
A high-profile Chinese inmate targeted for rescue by armed men in Parañaque City last Monday afternoon was being investigated for his involvement in POGO-related kidnappings in Metro Manila during the previous Duterte administration, the Journal Group learned yesterday.
“We have information that the suspect is the main contact, the muscle of POGO operators who gained notoriety for kidnapping and torturing Chinese nationals in front of video cameras to force their families abroad to pay their ransom demand during the previous administration,” a Philippine National Police official involved in the ongoing investigation into the foiled rescue attempt said.
The official said that they are also looking into reports that the two Chinese nationals and four Filipinos arrested in connection with the foiled attempt to rescue the prisoner identified as Hu Yang were recruited to spring the latter from jail.
The high-profile inmate is said to be wanted in China for kidnapping charges and has been tagged as a ‘leader’ of an organized crime group involved in kidnapping-for-ransom, extortion, car theft and gunrunning activities in the metropolis.
He was arrested last year after a fellow Chinese national spotted him driving the latter’s missing vehicle in Makati City. A chase ensued until the suspect was cornered by the Parañaque City police which recovered an unlicensed gun in his possession.
Hu Yang is being held at the Parañaque City Jail on charges of violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulations Act of 2013, RA 10883 or the New Anti-Carnapping Act of 2016, alarm and scandal, reckless imprudence resulting in damage to property and slight physical injuries.
The Parañaque City Regional Trial Court Branch 195, the Pasay City RTC Branch 108 and the Makati City RTC Branch 235 are trying the criminal charges filed against him.
He pleaded not guilty on the case for violation of RA 10883 filed against him when arraigned at the Makati City RTC Branch 235 last March 24.
Quick reaction from members of the Bureau of Jail Management Penology escorting Hu Yang and immediate response from operatives of the Parañaque City Police Station foiled the attempt to rescue the prisoner and trigger the capture of the six suspects, PNP chief General Rommel Francisco D. Marbil said.
The top cop said one of the BJMP officers managed to return fire at the suspects who ambushed them while operatives of the Parañaque CPS led by Colonel Melvin R. Montante immediately sprang into action after getting the report about the gunfire and arrested the six suspects who tried to flee into a mangrove in the area.
The arrested suspects escaped on foot after their getaway Mitsubishi Expander hit a tree at the Wetland Park.
At least four other suspects believed to be Chinese nationals too managed to escape on board a black Toyota car and are still being hunted as of press time.
Prior to that, one of the BJMP officer was shot in the shoulder by the suspects.
However, another guard managed to return fire causing the suspects to escape.
Members of the Parañaque CPS Special Weapons and Tactics and San Dionisio Sub-Station rushed to the site to conduct a hot pursuit operation which eventually led in the capture of the suspects.
Recovered from the suspects possession were a grenade replicate, a .357 Magnum revolver with three live ammunition, a bundle of US dollars, suspected shabu and various drug paraphernalia.
Forensic experts have processed the scene as police searched for the other weapons believed to have been dumped into the sea by the suspects.
Gen. Marbil and National Capital Region Police Office director Major Gen. Anthony A. Aberin emphasized the significance of the swift response and bravery exhibited by law enforcement during this attempted escape.
“This incident highlights the ongoing threats posed by criminal groups operating in the country,” said Gen. Marbil as he underscored the importance of continued vigilance and readiness to respond by his men.
“Our law enforcement agencies remain committed to confronting those who challenge the rule of law. This incident is a testament to our resolve in protecting communities and ensuring justice.
We will pursue all leads to ensure those responsible are held accountable,” the top cop said.
Maj. Gen. Aberin said their investigation showed that Jail Officer 2 Leif Talanquines was shot during the foiled rescue attempt while his three colleagues were unhurt.
Arrested by the Parañaque CPS were three Pasig City residents identified as alias ‘James,’,28; ‘Jerome,’,31; and’Jerry,’30; ; a Pasay City resident identified as ‘John,’,51; and Chinese nationals Yang Yang Shinand Wang Hongjie.
Maj. Gen. Aberin said the suspects blocked the path of the BJMP vehicle carrying the high-profile inmate and immediately opened fire at his escorts at the Parañaque Wetland Park in Barangay San Dionsio around 12:20 p.m. Monday.
The group was on their way to the city jail after presenting Hu Yang to the Makati court.
One of the jail officers retaliate forcing the suspects to flee after a brief exchange of fire.
The occupants of the black sedan escaped towards the nearby Bulungan Market area while the driver of the Mitsubishi Expander with plate no. NKM 2122 lost control of the vehicle and smashed a tree at the Wetland Park.
The arrested suspects will be facing criminal charges for frustrated and attempted murder, violation of RA 10591; RA 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002, violation of the gun ban and illegal possession of explosives, said the NCRPO chief.
