By Benjamin Pulta

ARRESTED. Mugshot of former Manila councilor Roderick Valbuena following his arrest by National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) operatives at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport on May 20, 2025. Valbuena is facing kidnapping for ransom charges before a Makati regional trial court. (Photo courtesy of NBI PIO)

MANILA – A former Manila councilor charged with kidnapping for ransom has been arrested by the National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport, the agency said Thursday.

In a statement, the NBI said Roderick Valbuena was apprehended shortly after arriving from Las Vegas on May 20.

Valbuena is one of five accused in a kidnapping for ransom case filed before the Makati City Regional Trial Court (RTC) Branch 61.

He was arrested by NBI – International Airport Investigation Division operatives under a warrant issued by the RTC and was processed at the NBI – National Capital Region in Manila.

He was turned over to the NBI detention facility in Muntinlupa City for custody. (PNA)