PNP: Ex-cop working with Chinese loan sharks

MANILA, Philippines — A dismissed policeman is allegedly in cahoots with members of Chinese loan shark syndicates in the kidnapping of several Chinese nationals in the country, according to the Philippine National Police (PNP).

A report from the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) identified the suspect as former S/Sgt. Magdaleno Pacia, who was dismissed from the service in April 2018.

He was last assigned at the Southern Police District before he was kicked out of the service for robbery and illegal possession of explosives.

The AKG said Pacia reportedly helped a loan shark syndicate in the kidnapping of some Chinese nationals. Among them is Li Chao, a casino player, who was taken last June 11 in Pasay.

Another is the kidnapping of Faquiang Guo and Fangmei Zhu, who were rescued on separate occasions last January in Las Piñas and Taguig.

Policemen seized P1.3 million cash at the house of Pacia’s partner, Andrelyn Naldoza, in Barangay Pulang Lupa Uno in Las Piñas during a raid on Wednesday at around 5 a.m.

The former police officer was not around during the raid while his partner was taken into custody.

The AKG were armed with a search warrant for violation of Republic Act 10591 or the Comprehensive Law on Firearms and Ammunition.

Aside from cash, two .45 caliber pistols, a 9mm pistol, a hand grenade, assorted ammunition and other items Pacia reportedly used in kidnapping activities were confiscated.

The AKG filed cases against Naldoza before the Department of Justice in Manila for illegal possession of firearms and explosives.