Chinese trader kidnapped in Zambo Sibugay released

ZAMBOANGA CITY, Philippines  – One of two Chinese businessmen kidnapped in Zamboanga Sibugay was released following the payment of a P5-million ransom, security sources said yesterday.

Jian Luo, 43, of Guandong, China, was released in Barangay Arena Blanco before dawn Sunday.

Luo and Yuankai Lin, 38, were kidnapped last June 4 from their staff house in Barangay F.L. Peña in Kabasalan town.

A security source said the negotiation for the release of Luo took place at a local hotel Saturday. He said the ransom money was delivered at the parking lot and was picked up by the emissaries of the kidnappers.

Barangay chairman Mujib Abdulusid said Luo came to the barangay hall at around 1 a.m. asking for help.

Village councilmen Gerry Kadil and Abdulhamid Pitoh said they were not aware that Luo was a kidnap victim.

“He was wearing shorts, t-shirt, and sandals and holding a bottled juice drink. He looked fine,” Kadil said.

He said Luo charged his cell phone and called somebody who requested them to bring the Chinese to a hotel.  He said they dropped the victim at the parking lot and were given P1,000 for the gasoline.

“We were not aware and the Chinese man did not tell us anything. We just learned he was a kidnap victim when journalists showed us his pictures,” Kadil said.

Abdulusid said they could have handed over the victim to the police or the mayor if they knew Luo was a kidnap victim. 

Director Manuel Barcena, Directorate for Integrated Police Operation chief for Western Mindanao, said he has not received any formal report on the release of the victim.