Philippines: Authorities rescue abducted Chinese nationals in Quezon City, Metro Manila, and Pampanga, Feb. 24

Event

Authorities rescued four kidnapped Chinese nationals and arrested 11 suspects in Quezon City, Metro Manila, and Pampanga Province, the evening of Feb. 24. Security personnel rescued a victim at a clinic in Quezon City, after the facility's manager notified officials. The victim then informed the authorities about three other abducted people at a house in Barangay Santa Cruz, Mexico Municipality, Pampanga. Reports indicate that the suspects include three Chinese citizens and a Malaysian national. The background of the victims and the reason for the kidnapping are unclear.

Pampanga's Mexico Municipality is around 13 km (8 miles) east-southeast of Clark Freeport Zone.

Context

The threat of kidnapping in the Philippines, including Metro Manila. remains high. Several organized crime syndicates that focus exclusively on kidnap-for-ransoms operate in and around Metro Manila. Criminal groups typically target workers or customers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) companies, Chinese nationals, East and South Asian expatriates, and short-term travelers, as well as members of the Chinese-Filipino business community and their families. Criminal abductions of Westerners are less common, though the threat remains. Most victims are rescued by authorities or released unharmed relatively quickly after receiving a ransom payment.