02 Jul 2024 | 11:31 AM UTC
Philippines: Authorities likely to investigate the kidnapping and subsequent killing of foreign nationals in the Philippines as of July 2
Officials likely to investigate kidnapping, killing of foreign nationals in the Philippines, as of July 2. Increased security likely.
As of July 2, officials are almost certain to investigate the kidnapping and subsequent killing of Chinese and dual Chinese-US nationals in the Philippines. Preliminary reports indicate the victims worked for two different medical device companies, including Rainmed Medical Group. Both victims landed in the Philippines on June 20 but were subsequently kidnapped by unidentified assailants and killed on June 24. No information has been released on the exact location nor motivation behind the incident, with Philippino authorities not confirming a suspect. Further details on the incident will likely be made available in the coming days.
The incident highlights the ongoing risk of such incidents in the Philippines, particularly for foreign nationals engaged in trade. While kidnapping of foreigners is not commonplace, they do occur sporadically, often targeting businesspeople and expatriates for financial gain. The Philippine government has made efforts to combat kidnapping, with police operations rescuing thousands of victims in recent years, but risks persist.
