A 19-year-old Chinese national fell victim to a kidnap-for-ransom gang in Taguig City after meeting a woman on a dating app.
The victim, a resident of Manila, agreed to meet the woman named Izzy at a fastfood place and then visited her house in Barangay Sta. Ana. However, upon arrival, the victim was confronted by five men who assaulted, blindfolded, and restrained him.
Initially, the kidnappers demanded P5 million in ransom from the victim’s father, but after negotiations, the amount was reduced to P1.1 million.
The ransom was arranged to be collected by a person named Sean at a mall in Bonifacio Global City. After the ransom exchange, the victim was released in Angono, Rizal.
The victim, being a resident of Manila, reported the incident to the Manila Police District (MPD) Station 11, which then referred the case to the Taguig City Police Station.
A joint team from the Southern Police District (SPD), Taguig Police, and the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti Kidnapping Action Team – Luzon Field Unit conducted an operation resulting in the arrest of two suspects, identified as Erwin and Richard.
During the operation, a .38 caliber revolver with ammunition was also recovered.
The victim positively identified the suspects at the police station. Formal complaints for violation of Article 267 of the Revised Penal Code (Kidnapping and Serious Illegal Detention) and Republic Act 10591 (Comprehensive Firearms and Ammunition Regulation Act) were filed against the suspects before the Taguig City Prosecutor’s Office.
According to SPD director Brig. Gen. Leon Victor Rosete, the investigation is ongoing, and efforts to pursue the remaining suspects are underway.
Authorities encourage anyone with information about the suspects at large to come forward.