2 Chinese nabbed for faking kidnapping to get money

The Philippine National Police-Anti Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) foiled a kidnap-for-ransom modus operandi being staged by two Chinese nationals to ask for money from the supposed victim’s family.

According to Jun Veneracion’s report on “24 Oras” Friday, the alleged kidnapping victim has been reported to be abducted in the country thrice. To address the situation, the Chinese Embassy sought the PNP-AKG for the arrest of the alleged kidnapper.

However, authorities found the kidnapper and his supposed victim have outstanding criminal cases in mainland China and have been staging the kidnap incidents to ask for ransom money.

“Sa loob ng isang buwan tatlong beses siyang na-kidnap at nag-dig deeper tayo. Naging modus operandi na nya ito nag-aakto na na-kidnap siya at nagpapadala ng ransom ang kanyang pamilya mula sa Mainland China,” said PNP-AKG spokesperson Ryan Manongdo.

Authorities found that the Chinese nationals asked for a P200,000 ransom on the first kidnapping operation. It grew to P600,000 on the second try and at least P1 million for the third kidnapping incident.

They also discovered that the proof of life the kidnap victim has been sending to his family are his selfie pictures.

“Kaya siguro ngayon humingi na ng tulong sa Chinese Embassy ang pamilya nya kasi duda na napaulit-ulit,” he added.

(They may have asked the help of the Chinese Embassy because he had been kidnapped repeatedly.)

The PNP-AKG is still investigating the incident and is now coordinating with the Bureau of Immigration as regards the deportation of the two Chinese nationals.

A total of 11 kidnapping incidents have been reported to the PNP-AKG since January. Of the cases, one is POGO-related while seven have already been resolved.—Sundy Locus/GMA Integrated News