2 ‘abducted’ Chinese POGO workers rescued in Pampanga —PNP

Operatives of the Philippine National Police - Anti-Kidnapping Group (PNP-AKG) rescued two Chinese nationals from their alleged abductors in Pampanga province on Monday night.

The PNP-AKG identified the victims as Chenger Qiang and Zhoang Song Qin. Meanwhile, the suspects were identified as Zhu Li, a Chinese national, and Julius Gangan Tumolva, a Filipino citizen and a military personnel, who had gone AWOL (absence without leave) since 2004.

The operation was launched after the friends of the victims, identified as Lou Liqiang and Zhejiang, reported that their friends were brought to Clark last February 22. Prior to the kidnapping, the victims were staying at Eurotel in Makati City.

Police said the victims were both Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) employees.

According to PNP-AKG Luzon Field Unit chief Police Lieutenant Colonel Villaflor Bannawagan, the victims were initially hired at Shidaiken Technology Corp as computer technicians, but were later made to work as POGO workers.

"Nagumpisa 'yung operation namin dahil sa reklamo ng mga walk-in complainants na kaibigan ng mga victims," Bannawagan said at a press conference.

"Itong kaibigan nila ay nagtratrabaho sa POGO sa Clark at after almost three months or four months ay umalis sila dahil siguro nakita nila 'yung mga ibang unfair benefits," he added.

Following the complaint, the PNP-AKG immediately proceeded to the area to rescue the Chinese victims who were kept at Room 3704 in Fontana Leisure Park.

Seized during the operation were one cal .45 Armscor pistol, four magazines with six live ammunition, two handcuffs and a knife.

According to the victims, they were hurt by their abductors. As they faced the media, they showed some bruises in various parts of their bodies.

Bannawagan said a medical check-up on the victims Monday night showed the injuries they sustained.

According to PNP spokesman Police Major Ronaldo Lumactod, the Chinese suspect was the supervisor of the POGO firm, while the Filipino suspect was working as a private security agent.

"Mayroon siyang lisensya pero expired na... private security, itong protection agent na ito sila 'yung mga natrain ng security agency para maging VIP security escort subalit ngayon ginagamit na sila pati sa POGO. It so happened na ex-military 'yung suspect natin," Lumactod said.

The arrested suspects are presently under the custody of the PNP-AKG as criminal charges are being prepared against them.

Bannawagan said authorities are still checking if other personalities were involved in the incident. — MDM, GMA News