Updated @ 11:09 p.m., Nov. 3, 2019
MANILA, Philippines — Eight Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested for allegedly attempting to kidnap a Chinese man at the Ninoy Aquino International Airport (Naia) Terminal 3 in Pasay City on Friday.
Col. Jonnel Estomo, acting director of the Philippine National Police – Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), said that the suspects were arrested after police officers saw them allegedly trying to force the victim, identified as Zhouzeng Lin, into a car.
He identified the Chinese suspects as Xin Zao, Changlin Pang, Yuqi Cheng, Shi Ke Zang, Huan Liu, Shao Ling Nie, Yuhang Huang, and Siguo Gan, and their Filipino cohort as Jesus Solinap Jr.
Initially, the PNP-Aviation Security Group said only seven Chinese nationals and a Filipino were arrested for the alleged kidnapping attempt.
Citing information from Lin, Estomo said Lin was at the area to collect payment from Xin Zao for visa and escort fee.
While they were waiting, a Toyota Rush driven by Solinap arrived and the suspects allegedly dragged the victim inside the vehicle.
He said the victim managed to hold on to a steel post but lost his grip when the suspects burned his hands with a lighted cigarette.
Estomo said the incident caused panic among other passersby at the airport.
The suspects, who reportedly denied kidnapping the victim, were later turned over by the Airport Police Department of the Police Intelligence and Investigation Section to the PNP-AKG.
Police filed on Saturday charges of kidnapping, alarm and scandal, and resistance and disobedience to a person in authority against the suspects.
/jpv /atm