Chinese rescued from loan sharks in Parañaque

MANILA, Philippines — A Chinese who was kidnapped by suspected members of a loan shark syndicate was rescued in Parañaque  City on Tuesday, the Philippine National Police (PNP) said yesterday.

Operatives of the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG) rescued Wang Hong, 29, at the Baymont Hotel along Airport Road in Barangay Baclaran at around 9:20 p.m.

Lt. Col. Villaflor Banawagan, who heads AKG’s Luzon Field Unit, said they filed charges of kidnapping for ransom with serious illegal detention against Wang’s captors, Chinese nationals Wan Renhong, 32, and Wan Liang, 36, before the Department of Justice in Manila on Wednesday.

Wang told probers the suspects kidnapped him on Dec. 4 after he failed to pay P2 million he borrowed and lost in gambling at the Solaire Resort and Casino.

He was first brought to the Okada Hotel and Casino and later transferred to the Baymont Hotel. While in their custody, the suspects forced Wang to produce P2 million.

The victim said he could not pay the amount as the suspects demanded 15 percent as commission everytime he won.

While in detention, the suspect was able to sneak a text message to his friend, who informed the police of his situation.

The victim and his abductors were brought to the AKG’s main office at Camp Crame for investigation.