CABANATUAN CITY, Nueva Ecija — A 59-year-old appliance store owner was successfully rescued by police on Monday, January 26, 2026, after being abducted in a brazen morning kidnapping allegedly orchestrated by his own cousin.
The primary suspect, a 49-year-old cousin of the victim and an AWOL (absent without leave) police officer, was apprehended along with two accomplices following a high-stakes pursuit across Central Luzon.
The Abduction The incident began at 7:25 a.m. in Barangay Kapitan Pepe, Cabanatuan City.
- The Scene: CCTV footage captured hooded men dragging the businessman back into his own red pickup truck shortly after he arrived at his warehouse.
- Ransom Demand: The kidnappers later contacted the family, demanding P5 million for the victim’s safe release.
The Rescue Operation The Nueva Ecija Police Provincial Office (NEPPO) launched an immediate hot-pursuit operation.
- Location Found: The victim was rescued in Barangay Bakod Bayan, Cabanatuan City. His pickup truck was found abandoned in the same village.
- Injuries: During the suspects’ escape, their vehicle was involved in a hit-and-run that injured two residents. The injured were treated at the Paulino J. Garcia Memorial Research and Medical Center.
Tracking the Suspects The breakthrough in the case came through technology:
- The Arrests: The victim’s cousin was caught in San Miguel, Bulacan, while attempting to sell the businessman’s mobile phone. The phone was equipped with a tracking app that allowed police to pinpoint his location.
- Accomplices: Two other cohorts were subsequently arrested in separate operations in Cabanatuan City and Palayan City.
Legal Action All three suspects are currently detained at the Cabanatuan City Police Station. They face serious charges of kidnapping under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code.
Provincial Director Col. Heryl Bruno commended the joint police units for their swift and coordinated response, noting that the successful rescue was a result of the PNP’s focused agenda on high-profile crimes.