NBI arrests 8 Chinese, 1 Filipino for alleged kidnapping in Las Piñas

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MANILA, Philippines — The National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) said nine individuals–eight Chinese and a Filipino–were arrested in Las Piñas for alleged kidnapping activities.

NBI Director Dante Gierran identified the suspects as Ben Tan, Haitao Wang, Dechun Qin, Yong Fei Chan, Xiao Qiang Yang, Dong Zheng Wen, Beijun Lin, Jun Wang and Jomar Lozada Demandante.

The suspects were apprehended in an operation conducted on July 11 in a residential area in Las Piñas City.

The NBI said that the victim, who was only identified as a Chinese national, was forcibly taken from Okada Manila and was detained in a house in Manuel 4-A Subdivision, Las Piñas.

While detained, the kidnap victim was also instructed to call his friends and relatives to raise P2 million in exchange for his freedom.

A victim’s relative in China was able to send P500,000 for the victim’s freedom, however, the suspects refused to release the victim unless the amount was paid in full.

The victim was able to contact his wife through web chat communication and was able to send her his exact location via GPS.

During the operation, a caliber .38 revolver and Rock Island caliber .45 pistol were recovered from suspects Dechun and Demandante.

Three of the nine suspects tried to escape on board a red Montero Sport, prompting the authorities to chase them that resulted in the arrest of the alleged kidnapmen.

The victim and seven others were found and rescued during the operation.

All arrested suspects were presented for inquest proceedings before the Office of the City Prosecutor, Las Piñas City for kidnapping and serious illegal detention charges.

They also face charges for violations of the Republic Act 10591 or the “Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act.” /jpv