Nasugbu: The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) has announced the filing of criminal charges against four individuals accused of posing as law enforcers to kidnap three foreign nationals in Nasugbu, Batangas. The incident occurred early last month, targeting two Chinese nationals and one Korean who were on their way to a fishing trip.

According to Philippines News Agency, the NBI, in collaboration with the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), reported that a kidnapping for ransom case has been filed against the alleged mastermind, Danilo Abilong. Another suspect, Jomar Ubarde, has been charged with conspiracy to commit kidnapping for ransom. Meanwhile, accomplices John Nelson Ladrera and a certain 'Erick', who are currently at large, have also been charged for their involvement in the crime.

The victims were reportedly intercepted at a fabricated checkpoint near the Kaybiang Tunnel, located at the Cavite-Batangas boundary, on May 2. Intelligence operations subsequently led to the surrender of Ubarde on May 26 at the NBI headquarters in Pasay City. During a custodial investigation, Ubarde confessed to his participation and identified Abilong as the mastermind behind the operation. He also revealed that Ladrera was responsible for recruiting operational assets to execute the kidnapping.

Abilong reportedly admitted that he was promised financial compensation for his role, which included planting a tracking device and monitoring the movements of one of the victims, who was also his employer. Ladrera, known by the alias "Master," allegedly coordinated with other individuals who disguised themselves as law enforcers to facilitate the kidnapping.