Four Chinese nationals, all former employees of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs), were arrested by authorities after allegedly kidnapping a fellow Chinese national in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday, August 4.
In a report by RH Edniel Parrosa, PNP Chief PGen. Nicolas Torre III said the suspects tricked the victim into a meeting by offering to facilitate a 'money changing' or remittance transaction to China.
The suspects lured the 30-year-old victim under the pretense of helping him remit ₱150,000 to China to buy medicine for his mother. After the victim initially handed over ₱100,000, he was convinced to accompany the suspects to a casino resort in the city to complete the transaction.
However, on the way to the location, the victim was allegedly handcuffed, threatened with a gun, restrained, and beaten. The suspects then demanded a ransom of $50,000 (approximately ₱2.8 million) in exchange for his release.
Once in their custody, the victim was able to convince his captors to return his cellphone. He contacted a friend who then reported the incident through the city’s 911 emergency hotline.
"Unang nag-respond dito ang ating Paranaque Police Station dahil sa kanila na ipasa na ng 911 ang alarma. At pagkatapos na madetermina nila na ito ay isang kidnapping case, sila ay nakipag-ugnayan sa ating AKG," said Torre in a press briefing at the PNP National Headquarters.
This led to the successful rescue of the victim and the arrest of the suspects at the casino.
During the operation, another woman found at the scene turned out to be a second kidnapping victim, who is also a Chinese national. Initial investigations revealed that the female victim had previously known one of the suspects. She had come to the resort on August 2 to exchange money but was instead detained, robbed, and prevented from leaving.
The four suspects are now facing charges for kidnapping for ransom.
Torre also underscored the importance of the 911 emergency system, assuring the public of prompt police action within five minutes of any call for help.
“Itong insidente na ito ay isang patunay kung gano'ng ka-epektibo ang rapid response mechanism ng PNP. At kung gano'ng kahalaga ang pakikisama ng komunidad lalo na sa pamamagitan ng 911 emergency hotline," the PNP Chief noted.
An investigation is ongoing to determine whether the group has other victims.
