Chinese national kidnapped while fishing in Angat River

A Chinese national was reportedly abducted while fishing in Angat River in Bustos, Bulacan early Sunday morning, according to the police on Monday.

Witnesses said the victim was with other Chinese nationals when four unidentified men took and brought the victim to a vehicle, Super Radyo dzBB’s Mark Makalalad reported.

The perpetrators fled towards the bypass road in Barangay Bonga Menor.

His live-in partner reported the incident to Bustos Municipal Police Station and said that she received a message from his cousin that the abductors are demanding $300,000 ransom money.

In a press briefing, Philippine National Police spokesperson Police Brigadier General Jean Fajardo said that a P5 million ransom money has been paid for the victim, who was involved in Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGOs).

“Kahapon po nagkaroon na po ng payment. May ransom na po at more or less P5 million accordingly ang naibayad na ransom sa side ng victim,” Fajardo said.

(There was a payment made yesterday. There is already a ransom and more or less P5 million accordingly has been paid by the victim's side.)

“However, one of the challenges na confronting the Anti-Kidnapping Group is the payment was done outside of the Philippine jurisdiction. Cryptocurrency ang naging payment po,” she added.

(However, one of the challenges confronting the Anti-Kidnapping Group was the payment was made outside of the Philippine jurisdiction. The payment was in cryptocurrency.)

Despite the payment, Fajardo said the victim has yet to be released by the kidnappers.

The police are now coordinating with foreign counterparts to trace the recipients of the P5 million payment, which was sent in two tranches.—Joviland Rita/AOL, GMA Integrated News