MANILA, Philippines — Four Chinese believed to be members of a loan shark ring were apprehended on Monday after they allegedly kidnapped their compatriot who failed to pay his debt in Parañaque City.
Charges of kidnapping for ransom and serious illegal detention were filed against Yalong Ding, 33; Mingmeng Zhang, 24; Leilei Fang, 26, and Quishun Li, 30, before the Department of Justice yesterday.
Brig. Gen. Glenn Dumlao, director of the Philippine National Police Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), said the suspects were accused of kidnapping Chinese tourist Li Bo, 29, at the lobby of a casino in Parañaque on June 20.
On Saturday, Li was rescued at a condominium in Barangay Moonwalk where he was allegedly held and beaten up by the suspects.
According to Dumlao, the suspects kidnapped Li after he failed to pay his P200,000 loan with a daily interest of five percent.
Police said the suspects demanded money from the victim’s relatives in exchange for his release through messaging app WeChat.
The suspects also sent a video of Li while being tortured as proof.
“He was beaten by his captors as shown in video footage,” Dumlao said.
One of the victim’s friends sought help from the AKG, which launched a rescue operation.
In Manila, a police officer wanted for kidnapping was arrested yesterday while on duty at the Ermita police station.
S/Sgt. Alejando Ruz was served with a warrant of arrest for kidnapping and serious illegal detention issued by Antipolo City Judge Ma. Consejo Gengos-Ignalaga.
No bail was recommend for his temporary liberty.