3 held for kidnap of POGO worker

MANILA, Philippines — Three suspects were apprehended for allegedly kidnapping a Chinese working for a Philippine offshore gaming operator (POGO) in Pasay on Wednesday.

According to a report from the Southern Police District, Ning Yuanqiang, 21, was walking near his residence along Seaside Boulevard when he was kidnapped by the suspects.

At gunpoint, police said the suspects forced Ning into a van with license plate ADJ-7853.

The victim managed to escape while they were traversing the Ninoy Aquino International Airport Expressway, probers said.

Ning immediately sought help from security officers of the NAIA Expressway.

The suspects were nabbed in coordination with the Philippine National Police Highway Patrol Group.

They were Carlito Alcantara, 33; Joe-Anboy Barnobal, 43, and Toshimachi Gilbert, 36.

Police said they recovered from the suspects two loaded .45-caliber handguns, four cell phones, two-way handheld radio devices and P54,000.

The suspects are being held by police on charges of kidnapping and illegal possession of firerams.