2 alleged Chinese ‘loan sharks’ arrested in Parañaque City

MANILA, Philippines —Two suspected Chinese loan sharks were arrested in Parañaque City  for allegedly kidnapping a fellow Chinese who owed them money spent in a casino.

Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo, director of the Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG), on Thursday identified the arrested suspects as Wan Renhong and Wan Liang.

According to Estomo, the suspects lent P2 million to the victim identified as Wang Hong, who had lost his cash after playing at a casino. Under their deal, Wang will pay the suspects 15 percent commission every time he wins a game.

The victim, however, lost all his borrowed cash prompting the suspects to bring him at a hotel also in Parañaque City on December 8.

Estomo said the suspects forced the victim to write a letter saying that he owed them cash and instructed him to ask money from his relatives.

The police official said that the suspects allegedly threatened the victim that they will kill him and throw his body at a cemetery if he fails to pay his debt.

The victim, however, was able to send a message about his location to his friend, who gave the information to the police.

Personnel of the PNP-AKG then launched an operation that led to the arrest of the suspects and the rescue of the victim.

A case of kidnapping for ransom with serious illegal detention was filed against the suspects on December 11, according to Estomo.

Edited by JPV