Philippines: Security forces arrest suspects following attempted kidnapping of Chinese national in Paranaque City, Metro Manila, June 17

Event

Security forces arrested five Chinese nationals and a Filipino following an attempted kidnapping of a Chinese citizen in Barangay Tambo, Paranaque City, Metro Manila, at around 13:40 June 17. Reports indicate that the perpetrators and victim are employees of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO). The assailants forced the victim into a vehicle after he exited a car at a hotel. Hotel security personnel witnessed the incident and alerted the police.

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 POGO companies, Chinese nationals, East and South Asian expatriates, short-term travelers, and members of the Chinese-Filipino business community and their families. Criminal abductions of Westerners are less common, though the threat remains. Authorities rescue most victims, or kidnappers release them unharmed relatively quickly after receiving a ransom payment.