Four suspected members of the kidnap-for-ransom group were arrested late Friday night at a checkpoint leading to the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in Pasay City.
The apprehension was made by the Airport Police Department (APD) and members of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG).
APD chief (ret.) Brig. Gen Romeo L. Labador got wind of the incident from the son and daughter of the kidnap victim, who reported that their father would be released in exchange for an unspecified sum of money within the Naia premises.
Labrador asked his men to coordinate with the AKG for a joint rescue operation. The rescue squad, led by APO3 Aldref Manuel, APO2 Nino Calma and APO1 Edzel Biag, were told to proceed to the VIP parking area of Naia Terminal 3 to discuss with the AKG the steps to be taken in order to arrest the suspects.
The rescue group fanned out of the airport departure, the main arrival areas and in every checkpoint leading to the airport. They were told to inspect all vehicles passing through and bound for Terminal 3.
At 10:55 p.m. last Friday, Labrador said the group eventually identified the vehicle of the suspected kidnappers approaching a Terminal 3 checkpoint area, a silver Toyota Innova bearing plate number ARA 3842.
The group immediately blocked the car and asked the driver to step out of the vehicle. When the driver refused, the responding policemen forced the driver to get out of the car.
Police searched the vehicle and found the kidnap victim, identified as Zhirong Lin, who was surrounded by the kidnappers.
Labrador said, due to his poor health condition, Lin was immediately rushed to St. Lukes hospital by his son and daughter, escorted by the police.
“Thankfully, there was no firefight because the kidnappers were outnumbered by the police operatives,” Labrador said.
The suspects were brought to the APD headquarters for documentation.
Labrador identified the suspects as Leizel Inojardo and Jayson Inojaldo, both Filipino nationals.
Two other suspects, Luo Jianzhong and Luo Zhi Giang, both Chinese nationals, were turned over to the PNP-AKG for proper disposition, Labador said, adding that the AKG would conduct follow-up operations in Laguna in connection with the case.