Camp Olivas, Pampanga—Two Chinese believed to be victims of a kidnap-for-ransom gang were rescued by police during a lightning raid at Star Hotel in Barangay Anunas, Angeles City over the weekend.
Police Colonel Rommel Batangan, Director of the Angeles City Police Office, identified the victims as Le Ding Hu and Apple Ong, both tourists and temporary staying in that hotel situated along Friendship Highway here.
Batangan said Ong sent SOS messages to her older brother Sam Carlo Ong who quickly sought the help of the ACPO.
Ong told police investigators that she was detained in one room of the hotel with another Chinese man by a group of Chinese whom she said were asking ransom money in exchange of their release.
Batangan said a rescue team assaulted the Star Hotel Friday that led to the arrest of the suspect and freed the victims without firing a single bullet.
“The victims were rescued and the suspects arrested after the rescue operations at Star Hotel,” said Batangan.
He identified the suspects as Tangz Heing, Li Hai Zheng, and Xiao Na, all Chinese nationals, and currently residing at Star Hotel.
When interviewed by police investigators, the victims said that they were being held by the suspects after they failed to pay the ransom, according to Batangan.
Charges are now being prepared for filing in court against the suspects who remained in a detention cell as of press time.
