Philippine police arrest rogue officer in Pakistani's kidnapping

Jun 12, 2007, 8:23 GMT

Manila - Police have arrested three suspects, including a rogue police officer, allegedly involved in the abduction of a Pakistani businessman in the Philippine capital, a spokesman said Tuesday.

Senior Superintendent Samuel Pagdilao said the suspects were arrested last week during a successful rescue operation of the businessman seized in Makati City late last month.

Pagdilao identified the suspects as police Senior Inspector Eleazar Sieton, who is on absence-without-leave status; former army soldier Jonathan Melgo; and civilian Ahmad Tallib Hasan.

'The arrest of the suspects and the successful rescue of the kidnap victim is testament of our keen resolve to neutralize kidnap-for-ransom syndicates, especially those where men in uniform are involved,' Pagdilao said.

Investigators said the victim and his wife were about to leave their store in Makati City on the night of May 24 when five heavily armed men wearing police uniforms and jackets forced the victim to board a van.

The victim's family immediately sought the help of the police anti-kidnapping task force as the kidnappers demanded 50 million pesos (1.07 million dollars) in ransom.

Pagdilao said the police have filed a case of kidnapping with serious illegal detention against the suspects, who are detained at the police headquarters.