PNP-AKG agents nab ex-cop turned kidnapper
PHILIPPINE National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group director Brigadier General Rodolfo D. Castil Jr. on Monday announced the capture of a 44-year old ex-policeman-turned kidnap-for-ransom gang leader.
In a report to PNP chief General Benjamin C. Acorda Jr., the official identified the arrested suspect as Magdalino F. Pacia, of Purok Rosas, Barangay Tangob in Padre Garcia, Quezon.
The suspect is the 5th in the list of most wanted persons of the PNP-AKG.
According to the official, the ex-policeman was arrested in his hiding place as a result of an ‘intelligence-driven operation’ and extensive surveillance.
Members of the PNP-AKG got help from the Tanauan City Police Station, the Laguna Highway Patrol Team and the Philippine Air Force in arresting the suspect who didn’t resist while being arrested 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 Kidnapping-for-Ransom Group operating in Metro Manila and Calabarzon region where their former victims were mostly Chinese nationals since 2017.
Brig. Gen. Castil commended the AKG officers and men who captured the suspect with the help of their other colleagues in uniform.
“This 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,” he said.
The captured suspect is now held at the PNP-AKG lock-up facility in Camp Crame prior to his presentation to court.
