An active policeman, two dismissed operatives and a civilian allegedly involved in the kidnapping of a wealthy businessman were killed in an encounter with authorities Friday morning in Cavite province.
Sr. Supt. Glenn Dumlao, director of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, identified the slain members of the notorious kidnap for ransom syndicate as PO3 Rodel Estonactoc, 41, the supposed gang leader; PO1 Ramil Espejo, 38, PO1 Rolando Albios and civilian asset Erwin Escobido, also known as Taba.
Dumlao said that the suspects were involved in the kidnapping of Carlos Tan, a casino junket operator at Resorts World Manila in Pasay City last Oct. 21.
He said that PO3 Estonactoc, a resident of 994 Broadway Street, Brgy Kristong Hari, Quezon City is an active member of the Quezon City Police District while the two rookie cops had been dismissed from the service.
Dumlao said the killing of the suspects occurred after AKG operatives led by Supt. Arthur Masongsong intercepted the Mitsubishi Adventure being driven by the suspects while cruising along San Lazaro Road, Sitio Ulong Tubig, Brgy Mabuhay in Carmona town at about 4:10 a.m.
However, when the AKG tried to stop the vehicle, the suspects fled prompting the operatives to chased them and upon reaching the said area a shootout ensued which led to the killing of the suspects on the spot.
Hours after Tan was snatched, the suspects immediately demanded P50-million ransom for the victim’s freedom. The family negotiated to bring the ransom money down to P10 million, but only P5 million were given, prompting the kidnappers to kill the victim on the eve of Oct. 21.
The suspects decided to free the driver of Tan at the vicinity of Tagaytay early dawn of Oct. 22.
The driver, whose identity was withheld, said minutes after he was released by the suspects, he heard two gunshots. Immediately thereafter, the family of the victim reported the said incident to the PNP AKG which conducted a manhunt against the suspects.
The dead body of the victim was recovered at a lower portion of the Tagaytay City ridge with bite markings from a native reptile commonly known as “bayawak.”
Based on the CCTV footages from the Resorts World, the victim’s vehicle were seen traversing in the direction towards Cavite.
Recovered from the scene of encounter were a caliber .45 pistol with 7 bullets, two Glock Cal. 9mm pistol and 66 bullets and the Mitsubishi Adventure which was registered to Jeanne Estonactoc, wife of PO3 Estonactoc.