The 14-year old Chinese student who was reported to have been kidnapped last week after attending an activity of an exclusive school in Taguig City was found abandoned along Macapagal Avenue in Parañaque City, the Philippine National Police (PNP) announced on Wednesday, Feb. 26.

PNP chief Gen. Rommel Francisco Marbil said the boy was already reunited with his father after he was located by joint police and military forces on Tuesday night, Feb. 25, or five days after his reported abduction.

“The minor was brought to St. Luke’s Medical Center in Bonifacio Global City for a medical examination to ensure his well-being after he was safely recovered,” said Marbil. 

Based on the report from the PNP’s Anti-Kidnapping Group (AKG), the minor was reported missing after he did not arrive home from a school activity on Feb, 20. 

Marbil earlier urged the public to refrain from spreading and sharing wrong information about the kidnapping amid circulating reports that a mutilation occurred to force the parents to pay the ransom. 

But Marbil emphasized that there was no ransom paid in the case of the kidnapped Chinese student. 

"This rescue is a testament to our police force’s dedication to protecting all individuals within our borders. We will not allow criminal elements to instill fear in our communities," said Marbil.

Motive

Marbil said the kidnapping appeared to have been motivated by past operations of Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs) in the country.

As President Marcos ordered a total POGO ban last year, he said there were some operators in the past that were buried in debt, and that the people who loaned them money are now forcing them to pay.

Citing intelligence reports of the AKG, a family member of the missing student was previously involved in the POGO industry and high-stakes e-commerce dealings.

This information, according to Mabil, suggested that business-related conflicts was the reason behind the kidnapping.

“Further investigations are underway to determine the circumstances surrounding the case and identify those responsible. The PNP urges the public to remain vigilant and report any suspicious activities to authorities,” said Marbil.  

“We will continue to strengthen our intelligence-gathering and operational capabilities to prevent similar incidents. The safety of every resident—Filipino or foreign—is our top priority,” he added.

Crackdown 

Police earlier created tracker teams to hunt down remnants of POGOs that are allegedly holding guerrilla-type operations in Metro Manila and other parts of the country.

Marbil said they are now conducting follow-up operations to locate and later deport the financiers of POGOs whom he described as trouble-makers in the country.

“Investigators are also examining patterns of incidents where Chinese syndicates have targeted fellow Chinese nationals due to disputes over illicit business operations, particularly within underground gambling and cyber fraud industries,” said Marbil.

The crackdown, he said, is a reinforcement of the POGO ban order of the President.

“The POGO operation has been linked to various criminal activities, including human trafficking, money laundering, and violent crimes. The government has been firm in its stance that the presence of illicit POGO hubs has led to security threats,” said Marbil.

In the case of the recent incident, Marbil said there was no increase in kidnapping incidents in the country but the recent abduction which is believed to be connected to past POGO operation is putting the country in bad light. 

“This necessitates decisive action from law enforcement agencies,” said Marbil.