5 suspects in Rizal trader's kidnap-slay arrested

MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested five suspects in the kidnap-slay of a businessman last in Antipolo City last February 2, the Philippine National Police announced on Monday.

Senior Superintendent Renato Gumban, head of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, said the arrest came after one of the suspects, Randy Tagalogon, surrendered to authorities and confessed to his role in the kidnapping and killing of businessman Jose Saribong.

Gumban identified the other arrested suspects as Mark Stanly Banghulot, Teody Manghuyop, Roger Escropolo and Roger Merabite.

Gumban said that the Saribong's family had paid P890,000, but the kidnappers still killed him because the victim knew Banghulot.

"Nakasama na 'yan previously in a business transaction. Kaya namang hindi nila bubuhayin kasi baka magkasu-kaso pa yan," Gumban said in a media briefing.

Saribong, along with his driver Jimmy Palermo, was kidnapped by the group while on his way home on board a Mercedes Benz (ZKV-600) last January 23. The kidnappers, on board a sport utility vehicle, blocked Saribong's vehicle and took him at around 12:36 a.m. along Golden Meadows Avenue in Barangay Mayamot, Antipolo City.

One of the suspets got off their vehicle and shot Palermo while the others dragged Saribong to the SUV and drove away.

Authorities nabbed Banghulot near his farm in Bagong Nayon, Cogeo, which his group used as a safehouse, while the others were arrested in follow-up operations.

Gumban said they are still hunting down four more suspects.