Chinese man rescued, 4 kidnappers killed in QC

MANILA – A Chinese national was rescued while four kidnappers were killed in an operation in Quezon City early Friday.

Brig. Gen. Danilo Macerin, Quezon City Police District (QCPD) director, said the operation was conducted by operatives from the Philippine National Police (PNP) Anti-Kidnapping Group, District Special Operations Unit, and the Holy Spirit Police Station at around 4:45 a.m.

The victim was identified as Zhi Fu while the four slain kidnappers are still unidentified.

The operation stemmed from the complaint of the victim's companion who witnessed the incident that occurred in front of a mall in Quezon City at around 10:30 p.m. Thursday.

A few hours after the incident, the kidnappers called the victim's family and immediately demanded a PHP20-million ransom.

Macerin said police officers managed to track down the kidnappers in their hideout at No. 167

Sta. Maria Extension in Barangay Holy Spirit.

"The team went immediately to the said address and while the operatives were approaching the house, the suspects fired their guns which prompted the police operatives to fire back. A brief shootout ensued which resulted in the neutralization of the four suspects while Zhi Fu was successfully and safely secured," he added.

Investigators recovered an M-16 automatic rifle with a magazine containing 13 rounds, another magazine with 18 bullets, a .45 caliber pistol, and magazine, a 9mm pistol and clip, a .38 caliber revolver, two hand grenades, an unmarked Honda Beat motorcycle, the black Toyota Vios used in the kidnapping, two cellular phones, two sachets of shabu, and several empty cartridges and fired bullets of an undetermined caliber of firearms.

Based on the initial investigation, the suspects allegedly belong to a certain 'Waray Waray Group' which is being hired by a Chinese syndicate and is involved in kidnapping activities in Metro Manila and Southern Luzon. (PNA)