Kidnapped Chinese student found; PNP says no ransom paid
MANILA, Philippines (UPDATED 5:44 p.m.)— The 14-year-old male Chinese student who was kidnapped has been found by authorities, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said on Wednesday, February 26.
The PNP said that authorities were able to locate the student abandoned along Macapagal Avenue, Parañaque City on Tuesday evening, February 25.
“The minor was safely recovered and immediately reunited with his father. He was then brought to the nearest hospital for a medical examination to ensure his well-being,” the PNP said in a statement.
The PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group, together with the Armed Forces of the Philippines and the National Capital Region Police Office, were the ones to recover the boy.
“No ransom was paid, reinforcing the PNP’s strong stance against any form of extortion or criminal activity,” the PNP added.
The PNP said they are still investigating the case and working to identify those responsible for the kidnapping.
"This rescue is a testament to our police force’s dedication to protecting all individuals within our borders. We will not allow criminal elements to instill fear in our communities," PNP chief Rommel Marbil stated.
In a later press briefing, Department of Interior and Local Government (DILG) Secretary Jonvic Remulla said that the child had been with the kidnappers since February 20.
The student and his driver failed to arrive home and the family reported the crime the following day. The driver was later found dead in Bulacan.
Kidnappers asked the family for a ransom of $20 million, which was later renegotiated down to $1 million.
While the authorities were able to recover the child on February 25, he did not come out of the ordeal unscathed.
The kidnappers sliced off one of the child's fingers, but Remulla said that the child was overall in good health.
The case is still under investigation, but Remulla said the crime was likely linked to Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO). He noted that a Chinese syndicate, aided by former soldiers and AWOL cops, was behind the kidnapping.
Remulla also mentioned that the victim's family had previously been involved in POGO operations.
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