MANILA – The Chinese national who was kidnapped while fishing in Bulacan province is linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operator (POGO) hubs, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Monday.
“He was identified as connected to POGOs. We are trying to verify if his companions are associated or at least involved in POGO operations,” PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said in a press briefing at Camp Crame in Quezon City.
Fajardo said the case of the 33-year-old male victim has been turned over to the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG).
She said a ransom of PhP 5 million was paid by the victim’s family via cryptocurrency.
“However, one of the challenges confronting the AKG is the payment was done outside of Philippine jurisdiction. We are now coordinating with our foreign counterparts to at least trace where this ransom paid in two tranches yesterday (Sunday) ended up,” Fajardo said.
Fajardo said the victim was not released despite the ransom.
At about 1 a.m. Sunday, the victim was fishing with his other compatriots along Angat River in Bustos town when they were approached by four men who introduced themselves as “persons in authority.”
The suspects forcibly took the victim and fled via the by-pass road in Barangay Bonga Menor.
Four hours later, the victim’s 28-year-old live-in partner reported the abduction to the local police.
Citing the message from the victim’s cousin, she said the abductors demanded a ransom worth USD 300, 000.
Initial reports showed the victim is indebted to a certain Yuzhi Wang by PhP 15 million.
The victim was previously abducted in Clark, Pampanga in 2020 and paid a ransom of PhP 1 million. (PNA)