two members of a kidnap for ransom group arrested in Cavite

Miami
July 10, 2008
Story 1: two members of a kidnap for ransom group arrested in Cavite

Two members of a kidnap for ransom group that victimizing Indian nationals was arrested by authorities last July 8, 2008.

The suspects were identified as Wilbert Repal Ong, 24,and John Dumdumaya, 31 both residing in Antipolo City was arrested by PNP-Highway Patrol Group (HPG), formerly Traffic Management Group in Barangay Salinas, Bacoor, Cavite at about 2:00 pm (July 8).

HPG Director Chief Supt. Perfecto Palad said that personnel of HPG Region 4A where conducting anti-carnapping patrol operations on the said area when they noticed a Mitsubishi Adventure with plate number PGX-748. The said plate number where under the lists of the HPG as missing. The plate number have been issued to a Toyota Cressida.

The suspects were brought to the HPG for questioning because the police confiscated one 9mm pistol and one 38 pistol. According to Palad, during the questioning, one of the suspects, Dumdumaya, admitted that the car is being used for their kidnap for ransom crimes.

The HPG found out that the two were involved in the kidnapping incident happened in Tanay, Rizal last June 14, 2008 wherein they kidnapped an Indian national.

The Indian national was kidnapped few blocks away from his house at around 6:00 am. The victim identified as Balwinder Kumar, was blindfolded, tied on his arms and was brought to an unknown place riding that same Mitsubishi Adventure. He was released June 17, 2008 after the family paid Php1.7M.

The victim is already staying at the country for about five years, and have money lending business in the country.

The police are conducting thorough investigation on the said kidnap for ransom case because according to the suspects there are two Indian nationals that were involved in the kidnapping. “They said they act as driver and look out and there are two Indian nationals who would tell them who should be kidnapped,” Palad said.

He added that there are six other members of their group that were involved in kidnapping the Indian national, and the police are doing their manhunt operations.

Aside from the kidnap for ransom case that would be file against them, the two will also face charges of illegal possession of firearms, illegal transfer of LTO license plate and Possession on fake driver’s license.