6 Nabbed in Failed Ambush of BJMP Van in Parañaque

Six suspects, including two Chinese nationals, were arrested Monday afternoon following a failed ambush attempt on a Bureau of Jail Management and Penology (BJMP) transport van carrying a Chinese detainee along the Cavitex service road in Parañaque.

The incident occurred at approximately 12:20 p.m. on April 7, as BJMP personnel were escorting Person Deprived of Liberty (PDL) Hu Yang, 37, back to their detention facility in Barangay La Huerta after attending a court hearing at Makati Regional Trial Court Branch 235.

The transport vehicle came under attack by armed men aboard a black sedan and a Mitsubishi Xpander as it neared the Las Piñas–Parañaque Wetland Park.

BJMP officers returned fire, hitting the Mitsubishi Xpander (plate number NKM 2122), which crashed into a tree near the mangrove area of the Wetland Park.

The suspects fled on foot into the forested park area, leaving behind the damaged vehicle.

A BJMP personnel, identified as Jail Officer 2 Leif Joseph Talanquines, sustained a gunshot wound to the right shoulder and was rushed to Ospital ng Parañaque for medical treatment.

The detainee, Hu Yang, was unharmed and immediately returned to the jail facility.

A hot pursuit operation was launched by the Parañaque City Police SWAT unit, led by Police Captain Dennis B. Velasco, resulting in the apprehension of all six suspects.

The arrested individuals were identified as Filipino nationals James Bales Lasam, 28; Jerome Pascua Salvador, 31; Jerry Calino Ecalde, 30; and John Paul Chua, 51.

Also taken into custody were Chinese nationals Yang Yang Shin and Wang Hongjie, both 25 years old.

Recovered during the operation were a .357 Magnum revolver loaded with live ammunition and one fired cartridge case, a replica grenade, an undisclosed quantity of suspected illegal drugs and drug-related paraphernalia, and several U.S. dollar bills.

Authorities are now investigating whether the motive behind the attack was to ambush or rescue the Chinese PDL, who is reportedly involved in serious criminal charges.

BJMP and Philippine National Police (PNP) officials confirmed that coordination between their units is ongoing as they evaluate the broader implications of the incident, which may involve organized criminal activity.

The six suspects are facing multiple charges, including attempted murder, illegal possession of firearms and explosives, and potential drug-related violations under Republic Act No. 9165 or the Comprehensive Dangerous Drugs Act of 2002.

Police have yet to determine the connection between the suspects and the detained Chinese national, pending further interrogation and verification of recovered items.

The BJMP emphasized that despite the attack, security protocols remain intact and reinforced to prevent future incidents of a similar nature.