Metro Manila (CNN Philippines) — The Philippine National Police (PNP) has been on his trail, but a police officer linked to a kidnapping chose to show up on Monday at the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) headquarters instead.
SPO3 Ricky Sta. Isabel, who was linked to the kidnapping of Korean businessman Jee Ick-joo, said he did so for safety reasons. He is now under the NBI’s protective custody, but had yet to issue a sworn statement.
PNP Chief Ronald “Bato” dela Rosa, who had ordered a manhunt for Sta. Isabel last week, said the police had an airtight case against him.
“PNP siya, ayaw magpa-custody sa amin,” Dela Rosa said. “Doon sa kanila dahil alam nya hindi NBI nag-imbestiga sa kaso niya. Alam niya na wala na siyang kawala dito sa PNP talaga.”
[Translation: He’s a cop, but he doesn’t want to be under PNP custody because he knows the NBI is not the one investigating his case. He knows that we have the goods on him.]
“Solid na solid yung kaso namin sa kanya. Hindi na siya makawala dito and I hope lalabas na yung warrant para mahuli na ‘yan,” the PNP chief added.
[Translation: We have a really solid case against him. He can’t escape this and I hope a warrant of arrest would be issued so he could be detained.]
The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group said a witness identified Sta. Isabel as the driver of the black pick-up truck that served as back-up vehicle during the kidnapping.
The perpetrators also kidnapped Marisa Morquicho, a house helper of the Jee family. She was later released.
Morquicho had identified a certain Ramon Yalung as one of two men who went inside the victim’s house.
Sta. Isabel and at least two others are facing kidnapping complaints.
Dela Rosa related that Sta. Isabel was assigned to the Anti-Illegal Drugs Group (AIDG) through a senior police official linked to drugs — and who acted as his “padrino” or protector.
“Meron siyang bossing na gusto sirain yung war on drugs natin sa PNP, kaya pinasok siya doon sa AIDG. Lalabas ay saboteur siya,” the PNP Chief said.
[Translation: He has a boss who wants to ruin the PNP’s war on drugs that’s why he was assigned to the AIDG. He will become the saboteur.]
Dela Rosa added Sta. Isabel even attempted to join the Anti-Kidnapping Group, but the unit denied his application.
Tha PNP chief said two more policemen and one retired police officer were involved in the kidnapping of the Korean businessman.
