05 Jun 2024 | 06:27 AM UTC
Philippines: Authorities arrest four police officers allegedly involved in abduction of three Chinese nationals and one Malaysian as of June 5
Authorities arrest police officers involved in kidnapping of four foreign nationals in Pasay City, Philippines, as of June 5.
Authorities announced the arrest of four police officers allegedly involved in the kidnapping of one Malaysian and three Chinese nationals as of the morning of June 5. The incident occurred along Taft Avenue in Pasay City at approximately 00:20 June 2, when the police officers flagged down the victims and forced them onto a sports utility vehicle. Two victims managed to escape. The perpetrators released the remaining two the next day after receiving a ransom. Police stated that ten civilian suspects and two alleged masterminds involved in this incident remain at large. The officers are reportedly suspected members of a kidnap-for-ransom syndicate.
The threat of kidnapping in the Philippines remains high. Several organized crime syndicates that focus exclusively on kidnap-for-ransoms operate in and around the National Capital Region. Criminal groups typically target workers or customers of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (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.
