Authorities rescue Australian; 4 Chinese kidnappers nabbed

Police arrested four Chinese nationals for kidnapping an Australian, national Jianting Chen on February 20, 2019. PHOTO from the Philippine National Police Anti-kidnapping Group.

MANILA, Philippines — Anti-kidnapping operatives rescued an Australian and arrested his four kidnappers in Makati City on Wednesday.

Authorities identified the victim as 29-year-old Jianting Chen, an Australian who arrived in the Philippines last Feb. 17.

The Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) of the Philippine National Police said Rachel Ball, a member of the Australian police, informed them that the victim’s friend, Willian Choi, who lives in Hong Kong, reported the kidnapping incident to the Australian embassy.

Chen reportedly informed Choi that he was kidnapped through a messaging app, The kidnappers allegedly demanded RMB 200,000 in exchange for Chen’s freedom.

Authorities said Chen was kidnapped on Feb. 19 in Pasay City. He was rescued the following day along Calantas Street in Barangay San Antonio in Makati City.

Police apprehended the four Chinese kidnappers — three male and one female, identified as You Hua Wu, 30; Zhao Ping Zheng, 29; Hao Meng Li, 35; and Xue Zhao, 28.

The suspects, who were turned over to the AKG for the temporary custody, were charged with kidnapping for ransom.

They will undergo inquest proceedings at the Department of Justice. /ee