Ex-cop-turned-most wanted kidnap gang leader falls
PHILIPPINE National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group director Brig. Gen. Rodolfo D. Castil Jr. yesterday announced the capture of a 44-year-old ex-cop-turned one of the country’s most wanted kidnap-for-ransom gang leaders.
In a report to PNP chief Gen. Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the official identified the arrested suspect as Magdalino F. Pacia, a resident of Purok Rosas, Bgy. Tangob in Padre Garcia, Quezon.
Pacia is the 5th in the most wanted list of the PNP-AKG.
According to Castil, the ex-policeman was tracked down in his hiding place as a result of an intelligence-driven operation and extensive surveillance.
Members of the PNP-AKG got ample help from the Tanauan City Police Station, the Laguna Highway Patrol Team and the Philippine Air Force in arresting the suspect, who offered no resistance after being surrounded by officers.
Castil said that the suspect is the subject of a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention with homicide issued by Judge Gidget Rose Duque of the Pasay City Regional Trial Court Branch 119. No bail was recommended for the temporary liberty of the accused.
PNP-AKG records showed that the ex-cop has been tagged as the leader of the Pacia Kidnap-for-Ransom Group operating in Metro Manila and Calabarzon region , where their former victims were mostly Chinese nationals, since 2017.
Castil commended the AKG officers and men who captured the elusive suspect, with the help of their other colleagues in uniform.
“The arrest sends a clear message that no criminal, no matter how elusive, can evade justice forever. We will continue to work tirelessly to ensure the safety and security of our citizens,” Castil said while adding that the PNP-AKG will remain resolute in its mission to address kidnapping cases in the country.
The captured suspect is being held at the PNP-AKG lock-up facility in Camp Crame prior to his presentation to court.
