The Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) announced the successful rescue of a 78-year-old businesswoman abducted in Quezon City earlier this month, with 11 suspects now under arrest.
According to the AKG, the victim, a widow and longtime resident of Quezon City, was kidnapped on September 2, 2025, at around 6:30 p.m. along C-3 Road after leaving work. Her brother sought help from the AKG after receiving multiple mysterious phone calls. Shortly after, the abductors demanded ₱150 million for her release.
On September 11 at 10:00 a.m., the suspects brought the victim to a bank in Quezon City to withdraw funds ranging from ₱3 million to ₱8 million. Alert bank personnel, already coordinating with police, quickly informed the PNP.
Responding officers rushed to the scene, arrested three suspects, and safely rescued the victim.
Follow-up operations expanded the crackdown. By 1:04 p.m. on September 12, authorities arrested two female suspects and one male suspect.
Four more were apprehended around 5:00 a.m., followed by another male suspect at 8:00 a.m., bringing the total to 11 arrests. All suspects are Filipino citizens.
Investigators said the group was traced to a hideout in Laurel, Batangas. Among those arrested were three former members of the Philippine Marines—two honorably discharged and one dishonorably discharged. Authorities are still searching for the mastermind, with additional conspirators believed to be at large.
Interior and Local Government Secretary Jonvic Remulla praised the rescue but stressed that operations are ongoing. He noted that, as of September, there have been 23 recorded kidnapping cases in the country, with 22 already resolved and only one unsolved.
“This seems like an amateur job. The mere fact that they brought the victim to a bank shows their level of sophistication is very low,” Remulla remarked. He added that investigators have yet to establish whether the group is linked to a larger syndicate.
The victim, a member of a prominent industrial family engaged in manufacturing, was confirmed to be in good health and showed no physical injuries upon rescue. However, authorities recommended psychological counseling following the traumatic ordeal.
Remulla emphasized that money was the sole motive behind the abduction. Further tactical briefings are ongoing, with more details on other possible conspirators expected in the coming days.
