6 Chinese, Filipino cohort nabbed for kidnapping in Parañaque

KIDNAPPERS NABBED. Kidnap victim Le Chen (left) identifies his kidnappers before authorities at the PNP-Anti Kidnapping Group office in Camp Crame on Tuesday (July 28, 2020). Six Chinese nationals and their Filipino accomplice were arrested in the operation. (Photo courtesy of PNP-AKG)

MANILA – Six Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested for kidnapping their compatriot in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) reported on Tuesday.

The suspects were identified as Gao Tong Tong, Tian Yu, Liang Kai, Cheng Yong Qing, Zhang Bo Xu, and Wang Xuan while their Filipino accomplice was identified as Edgar Ortiz.

In a report, the PNP-AKG said the suspects were arrested in an operation in coordination with local police and the National Capital Region Police Office along Roxas Boulevard at around 11:50 p.m. Monday.

The rescued victim was identified as Le Chen.

The operation stemmed for the complaint of the victim’s live-in partner Mariel Mirabel who said the kidnappers demanded PHP84,000 for his safe release.

Seized from the suspects were cellphones, laptop computers and other pieces of evidence.

They are now under the custody of the PNP-AKG and will face appropriate charges in court.

Earlier on Monday, the PNP-AKG’s Luzon field unit also responded to another alleged kidnapping case and safely rescued a Chinese victim named Den Lingyi at a company named ‘Dexin 999’ in Pasay City. No suspect was arrested in the operation.

On July 12, Den applied online with the company as Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) worker.

But on July 16, he was fetched by an unknown Chinese man for an interview and brought him somewhere in Barangay Tambo, Parañaque City, for employment.

However, the victim’s live-in partner received a message from him saying he was forced to work in an online gambling company.

The victim said the contract between them was “spurious” and illegal and the suspects detained him against his will and demanded money for his release.

He also claimed that the suspects would sell him to another company if he fails to produce the ransom.