3 Chinese nabbed for kidnapping, raping foreigner

MANILA, Philippines —  After enduring a four-day ordeal of kidnapping and rape at the hands of five Chinese men, a Vietnamese tourist was rescued by the Makati City police early yesterday.

Col. Jean dela Torre, Makati City police acting chief, said the Vietnamese was rescued along with a 26-year-old Filipina in a loft-type condominium unit in Barangay San Lorenzo.

Initial investigation showed that the Vietnamese was kidnapped by three Chinese men led by Lei Gao, who previously faced eight criminal cases and has ties with Philippine offshore gaming operators.

“She was brought to San Lorenzo where, according to her narration, she was raped by the three men,” Dela Torre told reporters in Filipino yesterday.

After resting for six hours, the 32-year-old Vietnamese was taken to Tagaytay City, where two other Chinese were waiting to rape her, Dela Torre added.

Apart from kidnapping and raping the Vietnamese, the suspects also demanded from her husband, who is living in Vietnam, a ransom equivalent to P1 million for her release.

Dela Torre said the victim managed to message her exact address to a friend, leading to the capture of Gao and two others yesterday.

Police recovered 20 grams of shabu, a small bottle of ecstasy, two guns and counterfeit dollars from the suspects.

The circumstances surrounding the rescued 26-year-old Filipino remain vague, according to Dela Torre, but initial information suggests that the victim was invited by one of the suspects to San Lorenzo where she was also held captive.

Gen. Joseph Arguelles, Southern Police District acting director, said the suspects typically look for “beautiful-looking” foreigners, regardless of nationality.

“Normally, they target vulnerable foreigners who are alone, so there is an element of human trafficking,” Arguelles said.

The acting director indicated there is a “boss” who approves the targets being profiled.