PNP anti-kidnap group rescues Chinese Pogo worker abducted in Pampanga

PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese man who works at an illegal Philippine offshore gaming operators (Pogo) firm was rescued from his still unidentified abductors in Pampanga on Wednesday night.

Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) chief Brig. Gen. Jonnel Estomo on Friday identified the victim as Xie Zhiqiang.

Estomo said AKG operatives rescued the Chinese victim at a resort in Clark Freeport Zone, Clark at 10:20 p.m. following a complaint from the victim’s live-in partner.

According to the complaint, Xie applied at the Pogo company and was transported to Pampanga by an unknown fellow Chinese tagged in the kidnapping. However, upon arrival at the Pogo company, Xie was allegedly held, read the complaint.

Xie also told his partner that he was detained and forced to work at the firm.

Consequently, the perpetrators demanded P140,000 cash in exchange of Xie’s release, which led the victim’s partner to seek help from AKG.

The AKG said the kidnappers were not found during the rescue operation. Police will conduct further investigation to track down the men behind the crime.

JPV