5 kidnap suspects, cop killed in Laguna

5 suspected kidnappers in police uniforms Kidnap victim a high-value drug target

MANILA - Five suspected kidnappers in police uniforms were killed early Tuesday morning, April 10, in an encounter with police officers during a rescue operation in San Pablo City, Laguna.

A policewoman identified as PO1 Sarah Jane Andal was also killed in the operation while three other officers were wounded.

Philippine National Police (PNP) chief Ronald dela Rosa said the officers were trying to rescue Renato Arguelles, who was abducted on Monday, April 9, in Candaleria, Quezon province, about 25 kilometers away from the site of the encounter.

Arguelles was also hurt during the encounter.

The wounded were brought to the San Pablo Medical Center for treatment.

Dela Rosa said Arguelles is a high-value target who is included in the drugs watch list of the Police Regional Office in Calabarzon (Region 4-A) and Quezon Provincial Police Office.

Arguelles has been arrested three times already, but he is able to post bail each time, he added.

Dela Rosa said the Arguelles family had received a call from the kidnappers, who asked for P800,000 ransom money in exchange for the victim’s freedom. SunStar Philippines