Malaysian wanted for drug trafficking arrested in Pasay over kidnap try

A Malaysian national who is wanted in his home country was arrested at his condominium unit in Pasay City over the alleged attempted kidnapping of a Chinese national.

In an exclusive “24 Oras Weekend” report by John Consulta on Saturday, Bureau of Immigration Fugitive Search Unit personnel found the suspect hiding inside a kitchen cabinet during the operation.

The operation was launched after the suspect was caught on video entering the condominium unit of the Chinese complainant, who reported the incident to authorities.

“Base sa kanyang statement ay sinasabi niya na tangka talaga siyang kidnapping ng grupo na ito kung saan may kasama siyang mga unidentified na mga Pilipino,” BI-FSU chief Rendel Sy said.

(Based on his statement, he said this group, which included unidentified Filipinos, had indeed attempted to kidnap him.)

Based on the complainant’s statement, the group, which allegedly included unidentified Filipinos, had attempted to kidnap him, Sy said.

Sy said the suspect and his companions were reportedly armed during the alleged kidnapping attempt and stole an estimated P4 million from the complainant’s unit.

“Overstaying na rin ‘yung Malaysian na ito at sinasabing nagtrabaho siya dati dito sa POGO operation nung legal pa ito,” Sy said.

(This Malaysian national has also overstayed in the Philippines and said he previously worked for a POGO operation when it was still legal.)

The Malaysian national had also overstayed in the Philippines and claimed that he previously worked for a Philippine offshore gaming operator when such operations were still legal, Sy added.

Authorities later found, through coordination with their Malaysian counterparts, that the suspect was also wanted in Malaysia.

“Base sa verification natin sa Malaysian Police ay wanted din siya doon sa involvement niya sa drug trafficking,” Sy said.

(Based on our verification with the Malaysian police, the suspect is also wanted there for alleged involvement in drug trafficking.)

Authorities are investigating whether the suspect may be linked to other local cases. He is detained at the BI detention facility in Bicutan, Taguig City.—Lyjah Tiffany Bonzo/MCG, GMA News