Manhunt starts for Chinese man’s 5 kidnappers

MANILA, Philippines — Lawmen have launched a manhunt for five Chinese nationals who kidnapped their compatriot in Pasay City last December and held him for P2.4 million in ransom.

The victim, an information technology professional, was forcibly taken at the vicinity of Double Dragon Plaza along Diosdado Macapagal Boulevard last Dec. 28.

The kidnappers brought the victim to a safe house in a subdivision in San Simon, Pampanga, Presidential Anti-Organized Crime Commission
executive director Gilbert Cruz said in a message on Viber.

The kidnappers then took a video of the victim being beaten up and sent the footage to the victim’s family.

Cruz said the kidnappers demanded P2.4 million, but the victim’s relatives produced only P75,000.

The victim was tortured daily during his captivity until he escaped on Dec. 31.

Speaking through an interpreter, the victim said in an interview aired over GMA News that he managed to uncuff himself.

He then escaped through a small window and went to another house, where he sought police assistance.

Cruz said during the interview that they have persons of interest in the victim’s kidnapping.