MANILA, Philippines - Police have arrested four men allegedly involved in the "rescue" of three suspected Chinese drug traffickers while on their way to a court hearing at Trece Martirez, Cavite on Thursday morning.
Senior Superintendent Alexander Rafael, Cavite provincial police director, said authorities arrested suspects Rodel Cambongga, Barangay Captain Leovino Fontanilla, Emiliano Quilicol, and Rene Bersales during a follow-up operation.
Another suspect Ariel Bondaon, believed to be one of the leaders of the group, remains at large.
Rafael said Cambongga, allegedly the lookout of the group that snatched the three Chinese nationals, confessed that he and Bondaon visited Chinese Jackson Dy last February 16 at the Cavite Provincial Jail.
Rafael said the breakthrough came from an LBC Pera Padala receipt recovered by investigators inside the abandoned get-away white L300 van.
In a follow up operation, police managed to apprehend Fontanilla, a barangay captain in Bayang Luma 4, Imus, and is alleged to be among the planners, recruiter of the group. Fontanilla also served as thhe custodian of the firearms of the group, police said.
Meanwhile, authorities nabbed Quilicol and Bersales in a follow-up operation.
Seized from the two men were several high powered firearms, ammunition and explosives, including the gun taken from jail guard Loreto Roguel, who was one of those escorting the three Chinese nationals.
Police are still tracking down 11 more people involved in the daring rescue.