Philippines: Authorities rescue abducted Malaysian national in Tagaytay, Cavite Province, July 3

Event

Authorities rescued a kidnapped Malaysian national at an apartment in Barangay Sungay East, Tagaytay City, Cavite Province, July 3. Four suspects reportedly abducted the victim, who is an employee of a Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) company, at Solaire Casino in Pasay City, Metro Manila; the reason for and the date of the kidnapping are unclear. Reports indicate that officials are continuing to search for the suspects.

The rescue site is around 19 km (12 miles) west-southwest of Calamba City, Laguna Province.

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. Some criminal groups target workers or customers of 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 the abductors receive a ransom payment.