Philippine Police Rescue Abducted Chinese Student, Investigation Ongoing

A 14-year-old Chinese student, kidnapped on February 20 in Taguig City, was rescued after being abandoned by his captors in Parañaque City on February 25. The boy, who suffered a severed part of his right little finger, was found by police during a pursuit operation and has since been reunited with his father and received medical attention. Authorities suspect the kidnapping was linked to the victim's family's past involvement in the Philippine Offshore Gaming Operators (POGO) industry, raising the possibility of business-related conflicts as a motive. No ransom was paid for his release, which was credited to the pressure exerted by the Philippine National Police's Anti-Kidnapping Group in collaboration with military forces. PNP officials have identified the suspects, who are also Chinese nationals, and ongoing operations are underway to apprehend them. The incident highlights concerns regarding safety and crime linked to the POGO sector in the Philippines.