Philippines: Authorities rescue abducted Taiwanese national in Malabon, Metro Manila, Aug. 20

Event

According to belated reports, police officers rescued a Taiwanese national in Barangay Potrero, Malabon, Metro Manila, Aug. 20. A group of seven Chinese nationals abducted the victim in the Malate area of Metro Manila Aug. 14 and brought her to a house located in Oak Street, Victoneta North, Barangay Potrero, Malabon. The kidnappers demanded a ransom of around PHP 7 million and allegedly sexually assaulted the victim during her detention. Authorities have detained two of the perpetrators, while the remaining five are still at large.

Context

The threat of kidnapping is high in the Philippines, including Metro Manila. Several organized crime syndicates focusing exclusively on kidnap-for-ransoms operate in and around the National Capital Region. Some criminal groups 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 occur less frequently, though the threat remains. Most victims are rescued by authorities or released unharmed relatively quickly after the abductors receive a ransom payment.