MANILA, PHILIPPINES – Four police officers in the Philippine capital have been detained for allegedly kidnapping four foreign tourists for ransom, officials announced Wednesday. The incident has sparked outrage and raised concerns about corruption within the police force.
The officers, riding motorcycles, reportedly intercepted a luxury car carrying three Chinese nationals and one Malaysian over the weekend. Armed civilians, collaborating with the officers, forcibly removed the tourists from the vehicle and transported them in a van. Two of the Chinese tourists managed to escape and alerted authorities, leading to the swift apprehension of the officers involved.
Interior Secretary Benhur Abalos revealed that the remaining captives were subjected to physical abuse but were released after a ransom of $43,100 was paid. Information provided by the freed tourists, along with security camera footage, played a crucial role in identifying and arresting the police officers, including a police major.
Security footage obtained by the police showed the kidnappers, one of whom appeared to be in uniform, stopping the car and forcibly removing its passengers in broad daylight, in full view of passing motorists. One of the victims was seen struggling to break free as he was pushed into the van.
“This incident is a serious breach of public trust and the core values of the police force,” Abalos stated during a news conference where the arrested officers were presented in handcuffs and detainee shirts. He expressed his shock and disappointment that members of the police were involved in such criminal activities.
Authorities are currently searching for at least ten other suspects who are believed to have participated in the kidnapping but are not police officers. Criminal complaints, including charges of kidnapping, carjacking, and robbery, have been filed against the suspects.
This incident has reignited discussions about corruption within the Philippine National Police. Former President Rodrigo Duterte had previously criticized the police force, describing it as “rotten to the core,” even as he tasked them with enforcing his controversial anti-drug campaign, which resulted in thousands of deaths and is under investigation by the International Criminal Court.