Police are now hunting down an agent of the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) and his two cohorts whose modus operandi is to kidnap even ordinary people as part of their money-making scheme.

The alleged involvement of NBI Agent III Junnel Malaluan was discovered after he was identified as the leader of the kidnap-for-ransom group by a tricycle driver whom they abducted in Caloocan City on June 8.

Aside from Malaluan, Senior Supt. Robert Po, chief of the Criminal Investigation and Detection Unit-National Capital Region, said they are also tracking down the whereabouts of his live-in partner identified as Khaye Macy Mendoza and a certain Barani Memoracion.

Tricycle driver Sowaib Musa informed the police about the abduction when he was able to escape on Friday from the suspects’ lair in Imus Cavite, adding that he was able to flee since his guard was alone.

Musa said he was handcuffed and blindfolded after his abduction and later asked to call his wife in Marawi City to pay a ransom of P300,000.

Only P100,00, however, was produced and was sent to Manila under the name of Memoracion. The kidnappers allegedly promised to release him once the P300,000 ransom is completed.

During the raid on Friday in the safehouse where he was kept for six days, the cops apprehended a certain Jamarie Arceo and Mildred Dollete whom Musa positively identified as the ones who guarded him during his captivity.

Po said a nationwide manhunt is now being conducted against Malaluan who was reportedly confirmed to be an NBI agent and his two other cohorts.