A CHINESE allegedly involved in the operation of an offshore gaming hub was released yesterday morning, three days after being abducted in Bulacan.
PNP spokesperson Brig. Gen. Jean Fajardo said the victim was released in Manila at 12:05 a.m. and was promptly subjected to physical and medical examination.
Fajardo said the victim was reunited with his family and later underwent debriefing by the PNP Anti-Kidnapping Group which is investigating the case.
“We’re gathering evidence and trying to get CCTV (closed-circuit television) in the area,” said Fajardo.
Fajardo said the PNP already has some persons of interest, some of them also Chinese who may be involved in the operation of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators.
Fajardo said they are looking into reports the victim owed the suspects an unspecified amount of money.
“We are investigating if this kidnapping or abduction is associated with POGO operations. We’re also looking into reports that the victim is indebted,” said Fajardo.
“All these are being looked into by the AKG and hopefully, they (AKG personnel) could extract information (from the victim),” said Fajardo.
Earlier reports said the victim was fishing with other Chinese companions in Bustos when four suspects seized him last Sunday morning.
Police earlier said the family of the victim paid P5 million in ransom later last Sunday through a crypto-currency platform.
Fajardo said the PNP received reports that the victim’s family paid additional ransom before the release of the victim.
“If you will remember, they initially paid ransom and we were informed that they (the victim’s family) made additional payment prior to the release (of the victim),” said Fajardo.
