By Eva Visperas
DAGUPAN CITY — Authorities swiftly resolved a kidnapping-for-ransom case within 24 hours, leading to the rescue of two victims and the arrest of three suspects in a checkpoint operation on January 23, 2025, in Sitio Gurel, Poblacion, Bokod, Benguet.
The case began on January 22, when the victims, William Lee Chua, a 59-year-old businessman from Dagupan, and Arturo Bautista, a 55-year-old caretaker and resident of Mangaldan, Pangasinan, were abducted along the New De Venecia Highway in Dagupan City.
The suspects, identified as Luis Pallay, 47; Gego Mayomis, 30, both from Ifugao; and Sito Lacquias, 44, from Nueva Vizcaya, initially demanded a ransom of P50 million. This was later reduced to P30 million, and negotiations brought the amount down to P10 million.
The suspects were apprehended at around 6:08 p.m. on January 23, when personnel from the Bokod Municipal Police Station in Benguet intercepted the suspects’ white Toyota Innova during a COMELEC checkpoint. The operation was led by P/Cpt Gilbert Anselmo and was based on intelligence shared by P/LtCol Nicomedes Olarte III.
Upon inspection, officers discovered the victims in the vehicle, one of whom was restrained, and recovered a .45 caliber pistol from the suspects.
P/Col. Rollyfer Capoquian, the PNP provincial director for Pangasinan, commended the coordination between the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, regional units, and the public.
He credited the suspects’ use of the victim’s cellphone, which made it easier to track their location.
“The seamless collaboration and the vigilance of the public were key to solving this case so quickly,” Capoquian said.
The suspects were arrested without resistance, as they reportedly realized they were outnumbered, he said.
Early investigations indicate they are first-time offenders and not affiliated with any major kidnapping syndicates, Capoquian said.
Both victims have been safely returned to authorities and will soon be reunited with their families. The suspects are currently in detention at the Bokod Municipal Police Station, where they face charges of kidnapping-for-ransom and violations of the COMELEC Gun Ban.
Capoquian urged the public to remain cautious and vigilant in dealings with strangers, particularly in financial transactions, and emphasized the importance of trust and verification.
“This was an isolated incident, but we must all stay alert to avoid falling victim to similar crimes,” he stated.
The investigation is ongoing to determine if there were any additional individuals involved in the abduction.