A 31-year-old Chinese national was rescued by operatives of the Manila Police District (MPD) on June 29, after being held captive by another Chinese national along Adriatico Street, Ermita, Manila.
(Photo from MPD)
The victim was identified as "Jun Cheng," a computer technician and resident of Pasay City.
According to the police report, a friend of Cheng sought assistance from the police saying that the latter was "forcibly taken and detained" by another group of individuals after incurring a debt of P200,000 from his creditor "Luo Jie" while playing baccarat in a casino in Adriatico Square on June 28.
The debt ballooned to P500,000 due to interest with Jie demanding Cheng to work for him until he is able to pay off his debt.
Cheng and Jie had a heated argument, resulting in both of them being escorted out of the casino. Cheng's friend had since then lost contact with the victim.
Upon the arrival of the police at the casino, the facility's security chief said that Cheng was no longer at the premises and denied that an altercation ensued between Cheng and Jie.
A police operation was conducted leading to the arrest of Jie who was positively identified by witnesses as one of the five individuals who forcibly took and detained Cheng.
A follow-up operation was also held the following day resulting in Cheng's rescue.
The suspect is now facing charges for violation of Article 267 (Serious Illegal Detention and Kidnapping) and Article 293 (Robbery) with no recommended bail. He is also charged with theft with a P10,000 bail.
The police have launched a manhunt operation for the four other individuals involved in Cheng's abduction.