Quezon city: Personnel of the Philippine National Police's Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) have arrested 11 kidnapping suspects and rescued a 78-year-old Filipino-Chinese victim in an operation in Quezon City, Interior Secretary Jonvic Remulla said Friday. At a press briefing in Camp Crame, Remulla detailed the operation that led to the rescue of the businesswoman who was abducted on her way to work on September 2 and detained in a 'safehouse' in Laurel, Batangas.

According to Philippines News Agency, the victim was rescued while withdrawing a supposed ransom of PHP150 million demanded by her abductors on September 11, after more than a week in captivity. The family, while agreeing to the ransom demand, managed to inform the police, setting the stage for a planned rescue operation. The bank operators, aware of the situation, contacted the police through a 911 call, prompting a swift response from law enforcement.

Within two minutes of the call, police apprehended three suspects who accompanied the victim at the bank-two former Marines and a former Army personnel. A subsequent operation on the same day resulted in the arrest of eight more suspects, including three women. Remulla commented on the operation, noting the kidnappers' impatience and the swift response of the PNP, describing the situation as a "comedy of errors."

The victim has undergone debriefing and is reported to have no physical injuries. Nonetheless, Remulla suggested the need for psychological counseling to aid her recovery. The suspects are set to face charges for kidnapping-for-ransom, although the masterminds behind the crime are still unidentified.

Remulla emphasized that while 11 suspects have been arrested, the investigation continues as there may be other conspirators involved. He pointed out that two of the arrested suspects were honorably discharged from service, while one was dishonorably discharged. The identities of the victim and the suspects remain confidential to protect those involved.