By Christopher Lloyd Caliwan/PNA
MANILA — Philippine National Police (PNP) Chief, Director General Oscar Albayalde on Thursday hailed the Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) for rescuing an Australian national from his alleged kidnappers in Makati City.
PNP Spokesman, Senior Supt. Bernard Banac said Albayalde congratulated the PNP AKG under Chief Supt. Glenn Dumalo for their ‘accomplishment’ as the AKG also arrested the alleged kidnappers.
“We thank the public for their constant support to our campaign against criminality. The PNP will remain steadfast to its mandate to enforce the law and keep the peace and order in our communities,” Banac in a statement.
Banac said the kidnap victim was identified as Jianting Chen who was reportedly kidnapped by four Chinese nationals on Feb. 19 in Pasay City.
Chen’s friend, William Choi from Hong Kong and a certain Rachel Ball from Australia reported the incident to the police after the suspects demanded 200,000 RMB (PHP1.5 million) ransom payment from the victim’s family.
According to reports, the suspects even threatened to cut Chen’s finger if the family refuses to pay ransom.
Banac said the suspects identified as Xue Zhao (female) and Hao Meng Zhen, Zhao Ping Zheng, and You Hua were arrested during the rescue operation at 9387A Calantas St, Brgy. San Antonio, Makati City.
The suspects, reportedly members of a loan shark syndicate, are now under custody of PNP AKG and inquest proceedings will be conducted before the Department of Justice.
