Four suspected kidnappers were killed after an armed encounter with authorities during a rescue operation conducted by the Philippine National Police–Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) in Parañaque City, according to a report by Eric Dasdas.

AKG Director Police Brigadier General Cicerio Cancilao confirmed that the incident occurred on Wednesday night as operatives attempted to rescue a 78-year-old Indian national who is also a Filipino citizen.

Authorities recovered several pieces of evidence from the suspects’ vehicles, including different conduction stickers, firearms believed to have been used in the crime, and cash allegedly taken from the victim.

Initial investigation revealed that the suspects had long been involved in kidnapping activities. Some of them were reportedly former police officers who had previously been dismissed from service due to pending cases and existing warrants of arrest.

In an earlier statement, PNP Chief Police General Jose Melencio Nartatez Jr. said the successful operation was the result of close coordination among units, backed by timely detection and continuous monitoring, which enabled operatives to act swiftly and safely recover the victim.

However, during the rescue operation, the suspects allegedly opened fire at responding personnel, prompting an armed encounter. The four suspects sustained injuries and were rushed to a nearby hospital but were later declared dead.

One police officer sustained minor injuries and is now in stable condition.

The PNP emphasized that the primary objective of the operation was the safe recovery of the victim, which was successfully achieved through a measured and appropriate police response.

Follow-up and hot pursuit operations are ongoing to identify and apprehend other individuals possibly involved in the crime.