Philippines: Security forces announce Feb. 28 the killing of kidnapping suspects in Paranaque City, Metro Manila /update 1

Event

Security forces announced Feb. 28 the killing of three suspects in a kidnap case involving two Chinese citizens in Paranaque City, Metro Manila. The perpetrators, who were also Chinese nationals, reportedly posed as security personnel and abducted the victims after stopping their vehicle in mid-February. Authorities killed the suspects when they shot at the police during a rescue operation at around 17:00 Feb. 27. Security personnel subsequently rescued the victims and recovered several firearms and police uniforms from the kidnappers. While the motive of the kidnap is unclear, officials stated that victims of such incidents are usually Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) workers abducted for ransom.

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.