MANILA, Philippines — A 33-year old Chinese national and Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (Pogo) worker was abducted in Bulacan, the Philippine National Police (PNP) reported on Monday.
PNP spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said the Chinese national was kidnapped while fishing in Angat River near Bustos Dam at around 1 a.m. on Sunday Oct. 21.
“Lumalabas po na involved po sa Pogo itong biktima na ito (it appears that the victim is involved in Pogo operations),” said Fajardo in a press conference.
Fajardo said the victim’s family has already shelled out a P5 million in ransom, but the victim has yet to be released.
“Hinahanap pa rin po natin siya (we are still looking for the victim), and AKG (PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group) already took the case because it’s already a case of kidnapping for ransom and there was already a payment made yesterday,” said Fajardo.
The ransom payment itself proved to be a challenge as it was made overseas through cryptocurrency, Fajardo said.
Fajardo said that the four suspects—all Chinese nationals—were armed with high-powered guns.
The PNP is also investigating if the victim’s companions are also involved in Pogo operations.