MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese man was rescued from his alleged kidnappers, who are all also Chinese nationals, in Parañaque City on Saturday.
The Philippine National Police-Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) identified the victim as Li Zihong. AKG operatives also arrested suspects Huang Ya Jian, Liang Bin, and Li Wei.
Police said Li was playing at a casino in a hotel in Parañaque when the three suspects approached him and offered to lend him money. However, when Li lost the game, he decided to return P500,000 to the suspects.
The suspects then brought Li and his companion, Feilong Hu, to a room to discuss how the remaining money would be paid. The victim asked his friend for help in paying his debt.
Police said Feilong sent 71,428 renminbi to the account of the suspects. However, the suspects refused to release Li and his companion despite the payment.
The suspects even demanded ransom money for P1 million for Li’s release.
Feilong then reported the incident to the authorities who launched an operation to rescue the victim and arrest the suspects.
The arrested Chinese men are currently in custody of the PNP-AKG as criminal charges are being prepared against them.