Loan sharks face raps for abducting debtors in Bulacan

FILE: The complaints were filed after the PNP-AKG conducted a rescue operation on Monday in Guiguinto, Bulacan. (Photo; Philippine National Police/Facebook)

MANILA — The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) filed a criminal complaint on Wednesday before the Department of Justice (DOJ) against five “loan sharks” for abducting Asian nationals who owe them money.

The complaints were filed after the PNP-AKG conducted a rescue operation on Monday in Guiguinto, Bulacan.

The PNP-AKG filed three counts of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention under Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (RPC) against Ernesto Marella, Ferdie Dionisio, Raymond Dela Pena, Jomar Dela Pena, and Alexander Roxaz.

During the operation, police arrested the suspects and rescued three of their victims, namely, Korean nationals, Yeum Sun Ki and Pan Ho Park; and Chinese national Xia Liu.

Police learned each of the victims was lent money ranging from PHP600,000 to PHP1 million pesos which they used to play in casinos but with 15 percent interests upon pay back.

Failing to pay back their debts due to their casino losses, they got abducted at different dates and kept at the group’s safe house in Bulacan until they pay up.

The group’s modus operandi is to hang out in the casino and look for losing players.

They will approach the losing players and offer to lend them money and eventually detain them when they are unable to pay their debts. (PNA)