BI nabs 5 Chinese nationals for kidnapping

MANILA, Philippines — Five Chinese nationals who are alleged members of kidnap for ransom syndicates were arrested in Las Piñas City, the Bureau of Immigration (BI) reported on Tuesday.

BI identified the foreigners as Wang Rui, Li Ming, Ju Wenping, Liu Ming and Li Sanjiu. The suspects allegedly targets Chinese nationals as their victims.

Immigration Commissioner Jaime Morente reported that agents from the BI Fugitive Search Unit (BI-FSU) and Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) arrested the suspects last Nov. 28 in their house located in Sampaloc Street, Casimiro Village in Las Piñas.

Morente added that during the operation, they were able to rescue a Chinese man who was held captive by the foreigners while awaiting ransom money.

BI then said that two more fugitives could not be found, but they discovered another victim held by the suspects.

BI-FSU Chief Bobby Raquepo said the victim, who was unnamed for his protection, positively identified the suspects as those who abducted him.

According to the BI’s travel database, the suspects recently arrived in the country as temporary visitors.

The suspects are currently in the custody of the PNP-AKG to process their criminal charges. /je