Makati kidnapping incident ‘isolated’ case: Palace

“I think that particular incident is isolated,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press conference. (File Photo: Office of the Presidential Spokesperson/Facebook)

MANILA — Malacañang on Tuesday assured the public that it is still safe to walk on the streets as he dismissed as an “isolated” case the reported abduction of a Chinese woman in Makati City’s financial district on Monday night.

“I think that particular incident is isolated,” Presidential Spokesperson Salvador Panelo said in a press conference.

“I have not heard of any kidnapping cases reported by the media or whether word of mouth except for the video that went viral,” he added.

Initial investigation of the police revealed that a Chinese woman was abducted around 9 p.m. Monday by three Chinese men aboard a gray van along Paseo de Roxas in Makati City.

The victim, based on a video taken by a witness, allegedly began shouting and trying to escape from the kidnappers but failed to go out of the vehicle.

Panelo cautioned the public to stay alert when they are in public places. He also encouraged them to report to authorities any suspicious activities.

“We should always be alert whenever they are out. And be conscious around them if they see any suspicious men and women lurking around they should report it immediately to the police authorities,” he said.

Col. Rogelio Simon, Makati City police chief, on Monday said the victim could have connections with the suspects because she went near the van before she was kidnapped.

On Tuesday, police identified the abducted Chinese woman as Zhou Mei who purportedly works at a Philippine offshore gaming operators (POGO) firm.

Maj. Gideon Ines Jr., head of the Makati police investigation division, said investigators found that the name and address of Zhou’s live-in partner, Cheng Tangbin, was found at a deed of sale document recovered at the scene of the alleged kidnapping incident.